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Current Affairs – 22 March 2024

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Current Affairs – 22 March 2024

PIB’s Fact Check Unit

Recently, Supreme Court put on hold Centre’s notification on setting up ‘fact-check unit’.

About PIB’s Fact Check Unit:

  • It was established in November 2019. It was started with an objective of acting as a deterrent to creators and disseminators of fake news and misinformation. 
  • It also provides people with an easy avenue to report suspicious and questionable information pertaining to the Government of India.
  • It is mandated to counter misinformation on Government policies, initiatives and schemes either suo motu or under a reference via complaints.
  • The FCU will actively monitors, detects and counters disinformation campaigns, ensuring that false information about the Government is promptly exposed and corrected.
  • Organisation:
    • It is headed by a senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS). The day-to-day operations of the Unit are handled by IIS officers at various levels.
    • The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who functions as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.
  • Fact-Check Mechanism:
    • Users send requests over WhatsApp, email or a web portal. Each such request received is considered as a ‘Query’. Queries are segregated by the Unit based on their relevance to matters pertaining to Government of India.
    • Only queries pertaining to Government of India are considered and taken up as Actionable Queries, while others are deemed not relevant for action.

World Happiness Report 2024

Finland has once again claimed the title of the world’s happiest country for the seventh consecutive year, according to the annual UN-sponsored World Happiness Report.

About World Happiness Report:

  • The annual World Happiness Report is a partnership of Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the World Happiness Report’s Editorial Board.
  • It is based on global survey data from people based on people’s own assessments of their happiness, as well as economic and social data. It considers six key factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and the absence of corruption. It assigns a happiness score based on an average of data over a three-year period.
  • Highlights of World Happiness Report 2024:
    • The Nordic nations continue to dominate the top rankings. Finland topped the list for the seventh year in a row.
    • The other top 10 countries are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Australia.
    • Out of the 143 countries surveyed, Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the list.
    • For the first time in over a decade, the United States and Germany have slipped out of the top 20 happiest nations, landing at 23rd and 24th place, respectively. 
    • The report underscores a change wherein the happiest countries no longer include any of the world’s most populous nations. Only the Netherlands and Australia, both with populations exceeding 15 million, are present in the top 10.
  • Where does India stand?
    • India is ranked 126th on the list, the same as last year, in the happiness index.
    • Older age is associated with higher life satisfaction in India. The report said that older Indian men, particularly those in higher age brackets, presently married and those with an education, tend to report greater life satisfaction compared to their counterparts. However, older women in India report lower life satisfaction than older men.
    • Satisfaction with living arrangements, perceived discrimination, and self-rated health emerged as the top three predictors of life satisfaction.

Earth Hour

The power discoms in the national capital are gearing up to make the ‘Earth Hour’ a success by encouraging their consumers to switch off non-essential lights and electric appliances for one hour on March 23 night.

About Earth Hour:

  • It is a global grassroots movement uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet. It is organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
  • It started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 as a symbolic lights-out event and has since grown into a global movement involving millions of people in over 190 countries and territories. It takes place towards the end of March every year.
  • “Earth Hour” encourages people to switch off all lights for an hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, to promote awareness of climate change challenges and energy conservation.
  • Governments and companies also participate by turning off non-essential lights in their buildings, monuments and landmarks to raise awareness about the impact of energy consumption on our planet.

Key Facts about World Wildlife Fund (WWF):

  • It is an international non-governmental organization (NGO)founded in 1961 in Morges, Switzerland, to protect endangered species of wildlife and preserve natural habitats.
  • Mission: To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.
  • WWF works with a broad spectrum of partners, including governments, industry, and local communities, to find solutions to the challenges that face our natural world.

Usha Mehta

A movie was released recently which is based on the biography of Indian freedom fighter Usha Mehta.

About Usha Mehta:

  • She was born in a village named Saras, near Surat in Gujarat in 1920. She was a true Gandhian at heart and was popularly known as Ushaben.
  • At the age of eight in 1928, she participated in a protest march against the Simon Commission.
  • In 1942, she and her associates established the Secret Congress Radio during Quit India Movement. It played a crucial role in keeping the freedom movement leaders connected with the public.

Setting up an underground station:

  • Background: At the advent of the War in 1939, the British had suspended all amateur radio licences across the Empire. Operators were supposed to turn in all equipment to the authorities, with severe punishment for those who failed to do so.
  • Alongside Mehta, Babubhai Khakar, Vithalbhai Jhaveri and Chandrakant Jhaveri were key figures in organising Congress Radio.
  • Congress Radio case:
    • The trial of the five accused in the— Mehta, Babubhai Khakar, Vithalbhai Jhaveri, Chandrakant Jhaveri, and Nanak Gainchand Motwane (who sold key pieces of equipment to the team) — generated a lot of excitement in Bombay.
    • Vithalbhai and Motwane were acquitted, Mehta, Babubhai and Chandrakant received stern sentences.
    • Usha Mehta was released from Pune’s Yerawada Jail in March 1946, and hailed in the nationalist media as “Radio-ben”.

White Dwarf

Astronomers report the detection of four white dwarf stars of a recently discovered rare DAQ spectral subclass.

About White Dwarf:

  • A white dwarf is the stellar core left behind after a dying star has exhausted its nuclear fuel and expelled its outer layers to form a planetary nebula. It is what stars like the Sun become after they have exhausted their nuclear fuel.
  • White dwarfs no longer support nuclear fusion reactions that generate energy, but they are still extremely hot.
  • A typical white dwarf is half as massive as the Sun, yet only slightly bigger than Earth. 
    • This makes white dwarfs one of the densest collections of matter, surpassed only by neutron stars.
  • A newly born white dwarf consists of helium, carbon and oxygen nuclei, swimming in a sea of highly energetic electrons. 
  • Unlike most other stars that are supported against their own gravitation by normal gas pressure, white dwarf stars are supported by the degeneracy pressure of the electron gas in their interior.
    • Degeneracy pressure is the increased resistance exerted by electrons composing the gas, as a result of stellar contraction.
  • Unless it is accreting matter from a nearby star, the white dwarf cools down over the next billion years or so.
    • It is predicted that they would ultimately form ‘black dwarfs’, although the Universe is likely not old enough for any black dwarfs to exist yet. 
  • The luminosity of white dwarfs can therefore be used by astronomers to measure how long-ago star formation began in a particular region.
  • Many nearby, young white dwarfs have been detected as sources of soft or lower-energy, X-rays. By providing important ‘fossil’ records of the stars that they formed from, white dwarfs are an important cosmological tool.
  • In 2006, Hubble was the first telescope to directly observe white dwarfs in globular star clusters, which astronomers reported as the dimmest stars ever seen in a globular star cluster. 

IMT Trilateral Exercise

INS Tir and INS Sujata will participate in the forthcoming edition of India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri Lateral (TRILAT) Exercise.

About IMT Trilateral Exercise:

  • It is a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24. As part of the harbour phase scheduled from 21-24 Mar 24, Naval ships Tir and Sujata will engage with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique).
    • This phase would begin with a Planning Conference followed by conduct of joint harbour training activities like Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation and Diving operations.
  • The sea phase of the exercise is covering practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, manoeuvres and firing exercise. A joint EEZ surveillance is also planned during the sea phase.
  • The exercise will conclude with a joint debrief scheduled at Nacala (Mozambique).

International Telecommunication Union

Recently, Dr Neeraj Mittal was unanimously elected as co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board of International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

About International Telecommunication Union:

  • It is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. It was established in 1865 as International Telegraph Union.
  • In 1947 the ITU became a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is an intergovernmental organization that coordinates between governments and private sector bodies with respect to global telecommunication and information communication technology (ICT) services.
  • Member countries: It has a membership of 193 countries and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations.
  • Functions:
    • allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits;
    • coordination and setting of technical standards related to telecommunication/ICT;
    • work to improve access to ICTs in underserved communities worldwide;
  • India and ITU: India has been an active member of the ITU since 1869 and has been a regular member of the ITU Council since 1952.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

What is Digital Innovation Board?

  • It was formed under the aegis of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development. It comprises of Ministers and Vice Ministers of Telecom/ICT of 23 Member Countries of ITU spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America.
  • ITU has started Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development to respond to significant unmet needs of ITU Membership in the area of innovation, as articulated in the Kigali Action Plan adopted at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2022.
  • The Alliance has three main vehicles: – Digital Transformation Lab, Network of Acceleration Centres and Digital Innovation Board
  • The Alliance establishes the Digital Innovation Board to provide strategic guidance, expertise and advocacy regarding its mission of building critical local enablers and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in digital development, to create a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Startup Forum

The fourth edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Startup Forum was organized recently in New Delhi.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Startup Forum:

  • It is a platform for the stakeholders from the startup ecosystems from all SCO Member States to interact and collaborate.
  • It aims to create multilateral cooperation and engagement for startups among the SCO Member States. It will empower the local startup ecosystems in the Member States.
  • The following are the objectives of the engagement:
    • Sharing of best practices to promote entrepreneurship and innovation to build knowledge-exchange systems.
    • Bringing Corporates and Investors across to work closely with startups and provide local entrepreneurs with much-needed support and market access.
    • Increasing scaling opportunities for startups by providing solutions in the field of social innovation and provide the Governments with a plethora of innovative solutions
    • Facilitating cross-border incubation and acceleration programs that will enable the startups to explore international markets and get focused mentorship.
  • India will host the second meeting of the Special Working Group for Startups and Innovation (SWG) in November 2024 and SCO Startup Forum 5.0 in January 2025.
  • Previously, Startup India had organized various initiatives for SCO Member states including:
    • SCO Startup Forum 1.0: The SCO Startup Forum in 2020 laid the foundation for multilateral cooperation and engagement for startups among the SCO Member States.
    • SCO Startup Forum 2.0: The two-day Forum was held virtually in 2021. SCO Startup Hub, a single point of contact for the SCO startup ecosystem, was launched in this forum.
    • SCO Startup Forum 3.0: DPIIT organised the first ever physical SCO Startup Forum in 2023 for the SCO Member States. 
    • 1st Meeting of the SWG: The first Meeting of the SCO Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation (SWG), permanently chaired by India, was organised on the theme ‘Growing from Roots’ in 2023.

PM Modi Honoured with Bhutan’s ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ Award

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has created history by becoming the first non-Bhutanese to receive the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, Bhutan’s highest civilian award. He received this prestigious honour from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during his two-day state visit to Thimphu. The ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ is a lifetime achievement award and is considered the pinnacle of Bhutan’s honour system. Only four eminent personalities have received this award since its institution.

Historic Achievement for PM Modi

  • PM Modi is the first non-Bhutanese to receive the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’
  • He is also the first foreign head of government to get this prestigious award
  • The honour was conferred by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ – Bhutan’s Highest Civilian Honor

  • The ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’ is a lifetime achievement award
  • It is the highest civilian award in Bhutan
  • It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals
  • Only four eminent personalities have received it so far

Previous Recipients of the Award

  • Her Majesty Royal Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck (2008)
  • His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (68th Je Khenpo of Bhutan, 2008)
  • His Holiness Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra (2018)
  • Je Khenpo is the Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan

PM Modi’s historic achievement of becoming the first non-Bhutanese to receive the ‘Order of the Druk Gyalpo’, Bhutan’s highest civilian honour. It underscores the significance of this award, which is a lifetime achievement recognition and stands at the pinnacle of Bhutan’s honour system. Key figures like Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and previous recipients are also mentioned.

‘Operation Indravati’ to Evacuate Indian Nationals from Haiti Begins

Operation Indravati

  • Haiti is facing a severe crisis due to escalating gang violence. Armed gangs have launched attacks in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, prompting India to launch Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals to the Dominican Republic. Similarly, the US has airlifted more than 15 Americans to Santo Domingo.
  • The situation has deteriorated since the 2010 earthquake, with gangs staging attacks, burning police stations, shutting down the airport, and freeing prisoners. Haiti declared an emergency and imposed a curfew. Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier demanded the resignation of acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who later announced his intention to step down but remains in power.

Operation Indravati–Gangs Unleash Violence in Haiti

  • Armed gangs launch attacks in Port-au-Prince suburbs
  • Gangs burn police stations, shut down airport, storm prisons
  • Thousands of prisoners freed in gang attacks
  • Haiti declares emergency, imposes nighttime curfew
  • Gang leader Jimmy Cherizier demands PM’s resignation

Operation Indravati–India and the US Evacuate Nationals

  • India launches “Operation Indravati” to evacuate Indians
  • Indians being evacuated to Dominican Republic
  • US airlifts over 15 Americans to Santo Domingo

Operation Indravati–Political Crisis Deepens

  • Acting PM Ariel Henry announces intention to step down
  • Henry does not offer timeframe, remains in power
  • Henry currently exiled in Puerto Rico
  • Jean-Charles Moise forms alliance with former rebel leader Guy Philippe

The article highlights the crisis in Haiti due to gang violence, the evacuation efforts by India and the US, and the political turmoil with the acting Prime Minister’s intention to resign. Key names like Jimmy Cherizier, Ariel Henry, Jean-Charles Moise, and Guy Philippe are also mentioned.

India’s First Battery Storage Gigafactory to Start Operations in J&K

GoodEnough Energy has announced that it will start operations at India’s first battery energy storage gigafactory in the northern region of Jammu and Kashmir by October 2023.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

  • According to GoodEnough, the facility will help industries cut more than 5 million tons of carbon emissions in a year. India has set a goal to become net zero by 2070.

Investment and Expansion Plans

  • GoodEnough has already invested 1.5 billion rupees ($18.07 million) in the 7 gigawatts per hour (GWH) facility.
  • The company plans to spend an additional 3 billion rupees by 2027 to increase the capacity to 20 GWH.
  • These plans were revealed by GoodEnough’s founder, Akash Kaushik.

Significance for Renewable Energy

  • Battery energy storage projects are crucial for India’s ambitious plan to expand its renewable energy capacity to 500 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, up from the current 178 GW.

Government Incentives

  • The Indian government is offering incentives worth $452 million to companies under a program to promote battery storage projects.

Role of Battery Storage Systems

  • Battery storage systems enable the storage of energy from solar, wind, and other renewable sources. This stored energy can be released when needed, making renewable energy more reliable and consistent.
  • The establishment of India’s first battery storage gigafactory is a significant step towards meeting the country’s renewable energy targets and reducing its carbon footprint. The facility’s operations in Jammu and Kashmir will play a pivotal role in supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector in India.

India’s First Ayurvedic Cafe Opens in Delhi

The Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, is making headlines for its in-house restaurant, Soma-The Ayurvedic Kitchen. This restaurant is being hailed as the first Ayurvedic Kitchen in India.

Ayurvedic Approach to Dining

  • At Soma-The Ayurvedic Kitchen, the food is customized according to the visitor’s health. The menu features dishes like Dumplings and Pav Bhaji, all prepared without onion and garlic. The hospital patients frequently visit this café during their treatment, alongside outside visitors.

Positive Reviews and Healthy Eating Experience

  • Several food enthusiasts have visited this restaurant to try the healthy and fresh food, and none have left without praising their experience of eating healthy at this eatery.

Fusion of Ayurveda and Food

  • Dr. Himanshu, a doctor at the Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital, claims that almost all the dishes are homemade and fresh. He adds that they founded Soma restaurant to promote the fusion of Ayurveda and food.

Ayurvedic Twist on Fast Food

  • While the menu features fast food items like Vada Pav and Dumplings, Dr. Himanshu explains the Ayurvedic twist on these dishes. The Pav (bread) is made of Ragi, known for its cooling effect in Ayurveda, while the Vada (potato balls) are coated with nutritious Moong Daal. “Vada Pav at our restaurant is recommended for people suffering from Kapha Dosha,” he adds.

Kapha Dosha and Ayurvedic Ingredients

  • According to Ayurveda, Kapha Dosha is associated with a lazy and relaxed personality. The dumplings are offered with a blend of wheat, beetroot, ricotta, cottage cheese, and spinach. Beetroot is known for its detoxifying ability, while spinach is iron-rich and aids digestion.

Positive Visitor Experiences

  • Several people have visited this restaurant and shared their experiences of enjoying healthy and delicious Ayurvedic cuisine.

Brucethoa isro

New species of deep-sea isopod discovered off Kollam, Kerala named after ISRO.

  • Genus – The tiny fish-parasitic crustacean, belonging to the genus Brucethoa, was recovered from the base of the gill cavity of the Spinyjaw greeneye, a marine fish.
Crustacean
  • Crustaceans are a group of invertebrate animals and make up a very large group of the Arthropods.
  • Mostly they are free-living freshwater or marine animals (e.g. Crabs, lobsters, shrimps) but some are terrestrial (e.g. woodlice), some are parasitic (e.g. fish lice) and some do not move (e.g. barnacles).
  • They have a hard exoskeleton (carapace), a segmented body that is bilaterally symmetrical, more than four pairs of jointed appendages and an open circulatory system.
  • Gills are used for respiration and a pair of green glands are used to excrete wastes.
  • Amphipods do not have a carapace and also serve as indicators for studying the impact of climate change and health of coastal ecosystem.

The new species has been named Brucethoa isro in honour of the Indian space agency’s successful space missions, including the successful lunar mission titled Chandrayaan-3.

  • The new species was identified by the same team that had in 2020 described Brucethoa as a new genus from India.
  • Features – Females of the Brucethoa isro species tend to be larger than the males.
  • Females grow to about 19 mm in length and 6 mm in width, while males are smaller at around half the size.
  • The distinctive morphology and behaviour of deep-sea parasitic isopods have long intrigued taxonomists.

Reverse Osmosis

Water purifiers that use reverse osmosis (RO) are emerging as a popular choice for safe and clean drinking water in India, however, experts warn that RO water with dangerously low levels of mineral content can have adverse impact on health.

  • Reverse Osmosis (RO) – It is a water purification process that uses a partially permeable membrane to remove ions, unwanted molecules and larger particles from drinking water.
  • Reverse osmosis works by reversing the principle of osmosis. 
  • The salt solution is subjected to pressure and pressed against the semi-permeable membrane.
  • Here, the applied pressure is greater than the osmotic pressure.
  • Thus, the molecules move from a highly concentrated solution to a less concentrated solution.
  • Diffusion – Diffusion is a process by which the molecules move from the region of higher concentration to lower concentration.
  • There is a net movement meaning more molecules moving in one direction than in the opposite direction.
  • In osmosis, the water molecules and the concentration gradient occurs over the semipermeable membrane which allows the entry of water and blocks the passage of ions and other larger molecules including sodium, chlorine, bacteria, glucose, etc.
  • Reverse osmosis is the process or the technology which is used to remove ions, mineral chemicals, and other impurities from drinking water.
  • In this process, greater pressure is applied, forcing the water to travel through the semipermeable membrane in opposite to natural osmosis.
  • TDS – In RO, the total dissolved solids (TDS), a major determinant of water quality – in water are reduced to meet potable water standards.
  • TDS comprise inorganic salts like calcium, magnesium, etc and some small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water.
  • Home filters waste nearly 80% of the water during treatment.
  • The resort to restrict home filters may cause consumer to worry but it is unlikely that they will be taken to task for using such water filters.
  • Various methods, technologies to remove impurities from water:

Ebola

Scientists recently found a new way in which Ebola reproduces in the human body, identifying a potential target for drugs to prevent the viral disease.

About Ebola:

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD, or Ebola) is a rare but severe illness in humans.
  • It is caused by several species of viruses from the genus Ebolavirus, that are found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • It gets its name from the Ebola River, which is near one of the villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the disease first appeared.
  • Transmission:
    • Ebola isn’t as contagious as more common viruses like colds, influenza, or measles. 
    • It spreads to people by contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal, like a monkey, chimp, or fruit bat.
    • Then it moves from person to person in the same way. 
    • You can’t get Ebola from air, water, or food. A person who has Ebola but has no symptoms can’t spread the disease, either.
    • There are occasional Ebola disease outbreaks in people, occurring primarily on the African continent.
  • Symptoms:
    • Symptoms of Ebola can start two to 21 days after being infected by the virus.
    • Symptoms start out flu-like but can progress to severe vomiting, bleeding, and neurological (brain and nerve) issues.
  • Treatment:
    • There is no known treatment for Ebola, although experimental vaccines and therapeutics are being tested.
    • Current therapy consists of maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance and the administration of blood and plasma to control bleeding.
  • Mortality:
    • Mortality rates for EVD range from 25 percent to 90 percent, with an average of 50 percent.
    • Death usually occurs as a result of shock due to fluid loss rather than blood loss.

Other Important Topics
EXERCISE IMT TRILAT- 2024
The 2nd edition of the Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT) began recently in the western Indian Ocean.

  • It is a joint Tri Lateral maritime exercise between India, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
  • The exercise aims at capability development to address common threats through training and sharing of best practices.
The Order of the Druk Gyalpo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently awarded the order of the Druk Gyalpo during the 114th National Day of Bhutan.

  • The award was announced in 2021 in appreciation for his efforts towards strengthening India-Bhutan ties, and in particular India’s provision of the first round of 500,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines.
  • The Order of the Druk Gyalpo also known as “Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo” is the highest civilian award of Bhutan recognizing lifetime service to the people and kingdom.
E-cigarettes ban in New Zealand
  • New Zealand recently said that it would ban disposable e-cigarettes or vapes, and raise financial penalties for those who sell such products to minors.
  • India bans e-cigerattes in 2019.
  • Disposable e-cigarettes – A type of e-cigarette designed to be used one time (not rechargeable or refillable)
Byadgi chilli
  • Byadagi chillies are a type of chili that are primarily grown in Karnataka, India.
  • They are named after the town of Byadgi, where the chillies were earlier grown in.
  • Byadgi chilies are hotter than Kashmiri chilies but milder than the Guntur variety.
  • Primary varieties
    • Byadgi Kaddi
    • Byadgi Dabbi
  • These 2 chilli varieties were granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2011.
Ban of cotton candy in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has recently instituted a 1-year ban on the production, sale and storage of cotton candy or candy floss.

  • It was due to the presence of a chemical named Rhodamine-B was confirmed.
  • The other states that ban Rhodamine-B were Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Goa.
Arsenic Contamination
A new study highlighted that 32% of the global population lives in low- and middle-income countries that do not adhere to the World Health Organization’s recommended limits of Arsenic in water.

  • Arsenic contamination- Arsenic is highly toxic in its inorganic form and can be found in high levels in the groundwater of several countries.
  • Rice contains more arsenic in comparison to other cereals. Rice contains inorganic arsenic (iAs), a Group 1 carcinogen.
  • Prolonged exposure of arsenic can lead to even diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
  • WHO recommendation – The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that drinking water contain no more than 10 micrograms of arsenic per liter (μg/L).
  • India adopts 10 parts per billion as its standard.
Operation Indravati
India recently launched ‘Operation Indravati’

  • Aim – To evacuate its citizens stranded in war-torn Haiti
  • India does not have an embassy in Haiti and the situation in the country is being monitored by the Indian mission at Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
International Telecommunication Union’s Digital Innovation Board (DTB)
Dr Neeraj Mittal was unanimously elected as co-chair of the Digital Innovation Board of International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU).

  • Aim – To create a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.
  • It formed under the aegis of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
  • The Digital Innovation Board comprises of Ministers and Vice Ministers of Telecom/ICT of 23 Member Countries of ITU.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

  • ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).
  • The Organization is made up of 193 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organizations.
  • Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
  • ITU is the oldest agency (since 1865) in the UN family.​
Pygmy Hippo (Choeropsis liberiensis)
A rare pygmy hippo was recently born in captivity in Athens’ Attica Zoological Park, Greece.

  • The pygmy hippo is the smaller, reclusive and nocturnal cousin to the more widely known common hippo.
  • Distribution – They are found in western Africa, mainly in Liberia, but also in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Cote d’Ivoire.
  • Habitat – They are solitary, living in lowland primary and secondary forests close to rivers, streams and palm tree swamps.
  • Conservation status
    • IUCN – Endangered.
    • CITES – Appendix II.
Orans, Dev vans, Runds
Rajasthan recently notified to recognize orans, dev vans and runds as deemed forests has sparked fear among community dwellers.

Types Description
Orans
  • Community-preserved sacred groves in Rajasthan, also known as “virgin” forests.
  • Found in – Aravali Mountain Range and the Great Indian Desert of Rajasthan.
Dev vans
  • These are sacred forests that perform ecological functions such as water recharging, nutrient cycling, biodiversity conservation, and preventing soil erosion.
  • In mountain areas, they can also prevent landslides.
Runds
  • Traditionally conserved open forests.
  • Deemed forests are areas of land that appear to be forested but are not officially classified as such in government or revenue records.
  • In India, deemed forests account for about 1% of total forest land.

 



Editorials & Articles – 22 March 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 22 March 2024

Water, an instrument to build world peace

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies, GS3 – Environment and Ecology

The topic is crucial for UPSC as it addresses environmental challenges, government policies, and sustainable development, key aspects of UPSC syllabus.
Context
●  The article discusses India’s water crisis, emphasizing the importance of conservation measures, government initiatives, and rainwater harvesting for achieving water security and peace.

 Introduction to World Water Day:

  • World Water Day, observed on March 22 annually since 1993, is a global initiative supported by the United Nations to raise awareness about the significance of freshwater.
  • This year’s theme, “Water for Peace,” underscores the critical role water plays in promoting peace and stability globally.

Water Crisis in India:

  • India faces a multifaceted water crisis stemming from rapid urbanization, industrialization, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate change.
  • Factors such as erratic rainfall patterns, water overuse, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the problem.
  • According to the World Resources Institute, 17 countries, including India, are under extreme water stress, which could lead to conflicts and unrest.

Challenges and Statistics:

  • India’s water availability is already low and expected to decrease further by 2025 and 2050.
  • Groundwater depletion is rampant across states like Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana, reaching alarming ratios.
  • Many rivers and streams have intermittent flows or have dried up entirely, impacting ecosystems and water security.

Current Initiatives and Government Programs:

  • The government has launched initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Mission Amrit Sarovar to address water conservation.
  • Emphasis is placed on rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of water bodies, watershed development, and afforestation.
  • However, there’s a need for a comprehensive protocol for the revival of ponds and water bodies.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting:

  • Rainwater harvesting is crucial for augmenting water availability and resilience against scarcity and drought.
  • Large-scale rainwater harvesting structures, conjunctive use with groundwater, and safe wastewater reuse are vital for sustainable water management.

Additional Interventions for Water Security:

  • Monitoring groundwater levels, reclaiming water quality, and implementing water pricing mechanisms are essential steps.
  • A circular water economy, efficient irrigation techniques, and integrated water resource management are necessary for sustainable usage.
  • Community awareness campaigns, adoption of low-water requirement crops, and optimal crop planning are crucial for water conservation.

Conclusion:

  • Strengthening World Water Day 2024’s theme requires comprehensive strategies to address India’s water crisis.
  • Implementing rainwater harvesting, government initiatives, and additional interventions can enhance water security and contribute to a more peaceful world.
  • By focusing on these initiatives, India can mitigate its water crisis and move towards a more sustainable and peaceful future.
Water crisis in India:
Reasons:

●     Rapid population growth increasing demand for water.

●     Urbanization and industrialization leading to water pollution and depletion.

●     Poor water management practices and inefficient use of resources.

●     Climate change impacting rainfall patterns and water availability.

●     Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture and domestic use.

Challenges to Combat:

●     Inadequate infrastructure for water storage, distribution, and treatment.

●     Unequal distribution of water resources among different regions.

●     Lack of awareness about water conservation and sustainable practices.

●     Political and bureaucratic hurdles in implementing effective policies.

●     Conflicts over water sharing between states exacerbating the crisis.

Way Forward:

●     Implementing stringent regulations to control water pollution and ensure sustainable use.

●     Investing in water conservation technologies and infrastructure development.

●     Promoting community-based water management initiatives.

●     Encouraging rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge techniques.

●     Enhancing public awareness through education and outreach programs.

●     Facilitating inter-state cooperation and dispute resolution mechanisms.

●     Integrating water management into urban planning and development policies.

●     Fostering research and innovation for efficient water use and management.

Addressing the water crisis in India requires a comprehensive approach involving government intervention, community participation, technological innovation, and sustainable practices across various sectors.

Navigating the global waterscape, its challenges

Topic: GS3 – Environment and Ecology – Environmental pollution and degradation

From the UPSC perspective, understanding water diplomacy, cooperation, and management is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering peace.
Context
● The article discusses the global challenge of water scarcity, emphasizing the importance of water diplomacy, international cooperation, and sustainable management to address issues such as rural water access, transboundary water governance, and achieving peace and prosperity.

 Introduction

  • Global Water Scarcity: Approximately two billion people globally lack access to clean water, with demand continuously increasing, posing threats to basic human needs, prosperity, and peace.
  • World Water Day 2024 Theme: The theme for the 31st World Water Day is “Leveraging Water for Peace”, emphasizing the importance of water in fostering peace and prosperity.

Historical Perspective

  • Civilizations and Water: Throughout history, water has been crucial for civilizations such as those around the Indus, Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates rivers, but conflicts have also arisen over its control.
  • Mesopotamian Conflict: Historical conflicts like the one between the Mesopotamian cities of Lagash and Umma demonstrate the tensions over water resources, resulting in one of the oldest known peace treaties, the Treaty of Mesilim.

Water Diplomacy in Modern Context

  • Meteorological Extremities: Current meteorological extremes, including heat waves and floods, amplify concerns about water insecurity due to climate change, affecting regions like India where erratic monsoons impact agriculture and the economy.
  • International Cooperation: Improved cooperation over water-sharing and adherence to International Water Law principles are essential to govern shared waters sustainably and promote peace.
  • Inclusive Approaches: Water diplomacy requires inclusive approaches involving indigenous and local communities, civil society, and academic networks to prevent and resolve water-related disputes.

Global Water Challenges

  • Water Quality Data Shortage: The 2024 UN report highlights a shortage of water quality data globally, particularly affecting rural areas where four out of five people lacking basic drinking water services reside.

Addressing Rural Water Needs

  • Rural Water Dependency: In India, 70% of the rural population relies on water for households and agriculture, which accounts for 70% of global freshwater use.
  • Positive Outcomes: Increased water investments in rural areas can lead to positive outcomes in health, education, employment, and overall well-being.
  • AI in Agriculture: Emerging AI technology in agriculture can enhance water conservation, crop productivity, and sustainability.

Transboundary Water Governance

  • Transboundary Waters: Many of the world’s freshwater resources are in transboundary waters, necessitating sophisticated cross-border water governance.
  • South Asian Region: Water pollution in rivers like the Meghna, Brahmaputra, Ganga, and Indus has worsened in South Asia, requiring effective cross-border cooperation.

Progress and Challenges

  • Cooperation Status: Out of 153 water-sharing nations, only 24 have achieved full cooperation agreements on shared waters, highlighting the need for increased collaboration.
  • Importance of Cooperation: Transboundary water cooperation is crucial for achieving the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals, benefiting various sectors and ecosystem services.

Conclusion

  • Collective Well-being and Peace: Cooperation in sustainable water management is essential for ensuring collective well-being, peace, and achieving global development goals.

Should judges accept official posts after retirement?

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity – Judiciary

Crucial for UPSC as it addresses judicial ethics, political neutrality, and reforms vital for maintaining judicial integrity.
Context
●     The article highlights debates on judicial conduct, post-retirement appointments, and reforms to ensure integrity and independence within the judiciary.

 Judicial Conduct and Political Affiliation:

  • The recent case of a former judge of the Calcutta High Court joining a political party after resigning has sparked debates on judicial conduct.
  • While there is no legal prohibition, concerns over judicial independence and ethical conduct have been raised.

Reforming Judicial Conduct:

  • The need for the Supreme Court to redefine the expected values from judges of superior courts has been highlighted.
  • Reinforcing the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002) could serve as a starting point.

Cooling-off Period and Post-Retirement Appointments:

  • Suggestions for a cooling-off period after retirement have been made to mitigate potential conflicts of interest.
  • Recommendations vary, with opinions leaning towards a cooling-off period of two to three years.

Public Perception and Judicial Integrity:

  • Concerns exist regarding public perception of judicial decisions made close to retirement, potentially influenced by post-retirement benefits.
  • Post-retirement appointments may lead to doubts about the impartiality of judgments, particularly concerning cases involving the government.

Legislative Action and Judicial Appointments:

  • Proposals for central legislation to regulate post-retirement appointments have been suggested.
  • The judiciary should take a proactive stance in ensuring transparency and integrity in appointments.

Alternative Solutions and Retirement Age:

  • Increasing the retirement age of judges has been proposed as a solution, although concerns about mental and physical faculties have been raised.
  • Lifetime appointments, as seen in the U.S., may not be suitable for India due to potential stagnation and lack of fresh talent.

Equal Retirement Ages and Institutional Dynamics:

  • Uniform retirement ages for High Court and Supreme Court judges have been advocated to address imbalances in institutional dynamics.
  • Disparities in retirement ages can create hierarchical tensions within the judiciary.

Reforming Tribunal Appointments:

  • Alternative approaches to tribunal appointments, such as a common service or written test, have been suggested.
  • Concerns exist about the potential bureaucratization of judicial roles through standardized testing.

Monetary Perks and Post-Retirement Motivations:

  • Increasing post-retirement monetary perks like pensions may not address the underlying motivations for seeking post-retirement appointments.
  • Post-retirement jobs are often sought for power rather than financial gain, suggesting the need for broader systemic reforms.

Conclusion:

  • In summary, the discussion underscores the complexities surrounding judicial conduct, post-retirement appointments, and the need for reforms to uphold judicial integrity and independence.
Judges Taking Official Posts After Retirement:
Arguments for:

●   Expertise Utilization: Judges bring extensive legal knowledge and experience to their new roles, potentially improving decision-making.

● Institutional Knowledge: Retired judges can provide valuable insights into the workings of the judiciary, aiding in reforms and policy-making.

●  Stability: Continuity in governance may be ensured by retaining experienced personnel in official positions post-retirement.

Arguments against:

● Conflict of Interest: Former judges may face accusations of bias or favoritism, especially if their new roles involve interactions with the judiciary.

●Judicial Independence: There’s a risk that judges might feel beholden to political or corporate interests if they transition into government or private sector roles.

● Undermining Trust: Public perception of impartiality within the judiciary could be compromised, eroding trust in the legal system.

● Lack of Accountability: Retired judges might operate without the same oversight mechanisms as active judges, leading to potential abuses of power.

IN THE SAME BOAT

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

GS3 – Environment

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this analysis discusses the UAE’s and India’s efforts to address water scarcity and the potential for collaboration between the two countries.

 

Context:
  • Water scarcity is not a distant concern but rather a pressing issue with global ramifications.
  • From Europe to Asia, governments and communities are facing this challenge, which poses threats to international security, contributes to humanitarian crises, social unrest, and even armed conflicts.
  • This analysis delves into the current state of water scarcity, focusing on global efforts and the specific situations in the UAE and India, highlighting the need for collaborative action to address this issue.

Global Concerns and Projections:

  • The impact of water scarcity is exacerbated by climate change, with projections indicating a potential increase in affected populations.
  • According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global warming could lead to millions to billions more people experiencing water scarcity.
  • This underscores the urgency for collaborative action on a global scale to secure a sustainable future for all.

UAE’s Response to Water Scarcity:

  • The UAE, situated in a dry, arid environment, has long prioritized effective water management.
  • Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, the UAE has implemented measures to support the sustainable use of water resources.
  • Furthermore, the UAE has taken a proactive role in global initiatives, advocating for action on water scarcity at events like COP28 and committing financial resources to support innovative solutions through initiatives like the XPrize Water Scarcity competition.

India’s Challenges and Efforts:

  • India, despite hosting a significant portion of the world’s population, faces its own challenges with water scarcity.
  • With only a small fraction of global water resources, India has implemented various strategies, including community-level efforts and national policies like the National Water Policy 2020, to address this issue.
  • India shares the UAE’s concerns and recognizes the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate water scarcity.

Collaborative Opportunities Between UAE and India:

  • Recognizing their shared interests and concerns, the UAE and India must collaborate more closely to address water scarcity.
  • By leveraging their combined knowledge and resources, both countries can foster innovative solutions that support water security not only domestically but also globally.
  • Joint efforts can focus on integrating water conservation measures into agricultural policies, supporting sustainable investment, and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors.

Conclusion:

  • The urgent need for novel solutions to combat water scarcity necessitates collaboration and collective action.
  • The UAE extends an open invitation to India and other stakeholders to collaborate on transformative ideas that ensure a sustainable water future for all.
  • By acting decisively and together, water scarcity can be addressed as a unifying force for shared prosperity rather than a source of conflict.
What could be the Effects of Water Scarcity in India?
  • Health Issues: Lack of access to safe drinking water can cause various health problems such as dehydration, infections, diseases, and even death. A report by the NITI Aayog stated that around 2 lakh people die in India every year due to inadequate water supply.
  • According to the World Bank, India has 18% of the world’s population, but only has enough water resources for 4% of its people. In 2023, around 91 million Indians will not have access to safe water.
  • Ecosystem Damage: Water scarcity also poses a threat to the wildlife and the natural habitats in India. Many wild animals have to venture into human settlements in search of water, which can lead to conflicts and endangerment. Water scarcity also disrupts the biodiversity and the ecological balance of the ecosystems.
  • Reduced Agriculture Productivity: Water scarcity can have a negative impact on the agricultural sector, which consumes 85% of the country’s water resources. Water scarcity can reduce crop yields, affect food security, and increase poverty among farmers.
  • Economic Losses: Water scarcity can hamper the economic growth and development of India. Water scarcity can affect industrial production, reduce energy generation, and increase the cost of water supply and treatment. Water scarcity can also affect tourism, trade, and social welfare.
  • In the report, ‘Climate Change, Water and Economy’, the World Bank (2016) underlines that countries with water shortages may face a major setback in economic growth by 2050.

 The judge’s code

Topic: GS2 – Polity – Judiciary

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding the principles of judicial conduct and their implications for governance and the rule of law.

 

Context:
  • Former Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s swift transition to politics within 48 hours of demitting office has raised eyebrows and sparked debates.
  • While it’s not unprecedented for judges to enter the political arena, Gangopadhyay’s case has stirred controversy due to the circumstances surrounding his resignation and the manner in which he entered politics.

Precedents of Judges in Politics:

  • Gangopadhyay’s move isn’t the first instance of a judge venturing into politics.
  • Historical examples like former Chief Justice of India K Subba Rao, Justice Baharul Islam, and Justice KS Hegde have also made transitions from the judiciary to the political sphere.
  • However, these transitions were often spaced out over time and occurred under different circumstances, raising questions about the uniqueness of Gangopadhyay’s case.

Gangopadhyay’s Controversial Tenure and Political Ambitions:

  • What sets Gangopadhyay apart from his predecessors is the controversy surrounding his tenure as a judge and the apparent use of his judicial position as a platform to advance his political ambitions.
  • Gangopadhyay’s actions, including political statements in courtrooms and alleged breaches of judicial conduct, have sparked concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

Judicial Ethics and Integrity:

  • The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which emphasize the importance of judicial dignity, impartiality, and independence, serve as a benchmark for judicial behavior.
  • Gangopadhyay’s actions, including engaging in political activities while holding a judicial office, have raised questions about his adherence to these principles and their implications for public trust in the judiciary.

The Need for Judicial Self-Restraint:

  • Former Judge ES Venkataramiah’s reflections on judicial conduct highlight the importance of self-restraint and humility in upholding the integrity of the judiciary.
  • Gangopadhyay’s apparent disregard for these principles, coupled with his self-aggrandizement, stands in contrast to the ideals of judicial self-restraint and humility.

Conclusion:

  • Gangopadhyay’s swift transition to politics and the controversies surrounding his tenure raise broader questions about judicial ethics, integrity, and the delicate balance between judicial independence and accountability.
  • As the judiciary’s custodians of justice, judges must uphold the highest standards of conduct to maintain public trust and confidence in the judiciary.
What can be Done to Address Judges Taking Post Retirement Jobs?
 Implement a Cooling-Off Period:

  • Similar to the suggestion of former Chief Justice R M Lodha, there should be a mandatory cooling-off period between a judge’s retirement and their eligibility for any post-retirement assignment.
  • This period would help mitigate potential conflicts of interest and ensure impartiality.
  • Recommendations of Law Commission:
  • The recommendations of the 14th Law Commission Report, 1958, highlighted this concern and advocated for a system that ensures financial security to the judges without compromising independence.
  • Enhance Judicial Ethics and Standards:
  • Strengthening the ethical guidelines and standards for judges, both during their tenure and post-retirement, can help maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Judges should be encouraged to prioritise public trust and confidence in the judiciary over personal interests.
  • Increase Transparency:
  • There should be greater transparency in the process of appointing retired judges to post-retirement positions.
  • This includes disclosing the criteria for selection, ensuring open competition for these roles, and making public the reasons behind each appointment.
Enforcement Directorate arrests Delhi Chief Minister

Why in news?

  • Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi Excise policy-linked money laundering case.
  • The arrest, the first of a sitting Chief Minister, came hours after the Delhi High Court refused to grant protection to Mr. Kejriwal from any coercive action by the agency.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Enforcement Directorate (ED)
  • Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22

Enforcement Directorate (ED)

  • About
    • The Enforcement Directorate was established in the year 1956 as an ‘Enforcement Unit’ under the Department of Economic Affairs.
    • Later, in 1957, this Unit was renamed as ‘Enforcement Directorate’.
  • Administrative control
    • Presently, it is under the administrative control of the Department of Revenue (Ministry of Finance) for operational purposes.
  • Functions
    • ED is responsible for enforcement of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), and certain provisions under the PMLA.
    • ED has the power to attach the asset of the culprits found guilty of the violation of FEMA.
    • It has also been empowered to undertake, search, seizure, arrest, prosecution action, and survey, etc. against the offences committed under PMLA.
  • Appointment of Director of ED
    • The ED Director is appointed by the central government on the recommendation of a committee:
      • chaired by the Central Vigilance Commissioner and
      • members comprising of Vigilance Commissioners, Home Secretary, Secretary DOPT and Revenue Secretary.

Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22

  • About
    • Also known as the new liquor policy, the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 was implemented on November 17, 2021.
    • It changed how liquor was sold in the city — with the government withdrawing from the business and allowing only private operators to run liquor shops.
    • The main aim was to improve customer experience and stop black marketing.
    • However, after the whole controversy around the new excise policy, Delhi reverted to the old excise regime.
  • Key features of the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22
    • Under the new policy, the city was divided into 32 zones inviting firms to bid on the zones. Instead of individual licences, bidding was done zone-by-zone.
    • Also, licenses for 849 retail vends were issued through open bidding by the Excise department in
      • Under the old liquor policy, Delhi had 864 liquor shops, including 475 run by the four government agencies, and 389 were private.
    • For the first time, shops were allowed to offer discounts to retail customers and reduced the number of dry days to three from 21.
    • The new policy also had a provision for home delivery of liquor. It even proposed lowering the drinking age from 25 to 21.
    • It also suggested the opening of shops till 3 am. However, these were not implemented.
  • The controversy surrounding Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22
    • Before the implementation, the policy had first to be examined by the Chief Secretary (CS) of Delhi.
    • The CS allegedly found procedural lapses and irregularities in the new policy.
  • Allegations made in the report
    • In the report, Delhi Deputy CM Sisodia, who heads the excise department, was accused of making changes to the excise policy without the approval of the L-G.
    • The report said arbitrary and unilateral decisions taken by then Delhi Deputy CM had resulted in financial losses to the exchequer, estimated at more than Rs 580 crore.
    • It alleged that kickbacks were received by the Delhi government and its leaders from owners and operators of alcohol businesses for preferential treatment.
      • These kickbacks were used to influence the Assembly elections held in Punjab and Goa in early 2022.
  • Matter referred to CBI
    • This report was referred to the CBI, and which led to the arrest of the then Delhi Dy CM Manish Sisodia.
    • 14 others were also made accused in its FIR, including AAP communications in-charge Vijay Nair.
  • ED Comes into picture
    • Two cases, one by CBI and one on alleged money laundering being investigated by ED, have been registered in relation to the excise policy.
    • The ED told a court that the alleged proceeds of crime amounted to more than Rs 292 crore, and that it was necessary to establish the modus operandi.
      • It alleged that the “scam” was to give the wholesale liquor business to private entities and fix a 12% margin, for a 6% kickback.
      • It also alleged that AAP leaders received kickbacks to the tune of Rs 100 crore from a group of individuals identified as the South Group.
India’s Voters Deserve a Bond of Probity

Context

  • Laws and public policies are essential tools for addressing societal issues and improving conditions for citizens.
  • They should possess qualities such as lack of ambiguity, enforceability, predictability, and accountability and one such policy, the Electoral Bond Scheme (EBS), was aimed to reform political funding in India.
  • After the Supreme Court verdict on EBS it becomes crucial to analyse the genesis, design, and demise of the EBS, assessing its effectiveness and implications.

Genesis and Evolution of the EBS

  • Acknowledgment of a Persistent Issue of Election Funding
    • The genesis of the EBS can be traced back to the recognition of a longstanding problem in Indian democracy: the opacity of political funding and the pervasive influence of black money in elections.
    • The reluctance of donors to contribute through transparent means due to fear of adverse consequences emerged as a significant factor contributing to the opacity in political funding, necessitating urgent reform.
  • Proposal of Electoral Bond Scheme: Establishing a Clean Channel
    • In response to the identified challenges, the finance minister proposed the EBS (in her 2017 Budget speech)as a solution to cleanse the system of political funding in India.
    • The primary objectives of the Electoral Bond Scheme were twofold: to enhance transparency and accountability in political financing and to curb the generation of black money.
    • The significance of the EBS lay in its potential to establish a clean channel for the flow of funds, replacing opaque methods with a transparent and accountable framework.
    • Despite its noble intentions, the EBS encountered challenges and criticisms regarding its design, implementation, and efficacy.
    • Concerns were raised about the adequacy of safeguards and the potential for misuse.

Design and Objectives of Electoral Bond Scheme

  • Legal Framework and Oversight
    • The EBS was established within a legal framework outlined by the government, with provisions laid down in the Electoral Bond Scheme, 2018.
    • This framework provided guidelines for the issuance, purchase, and redemption of electoral bonds, as well as mechanisms for oversight and regulation.
    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also played a role in regulating the scheme, ensuring compliance with banking regulations and standards.
  • Evaluation and Review
    • The design of the EBS incorporated provisions for evaluation and review to assess its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.
    • Periodic assessments and reviews were intended to identify any shortcomings or loopholes in the scheme and make necessary adjustments to improve its efficacy.
  • Facilitating Transparent Transactions
    • Central to the design of the EBS was the facilitation of transparent transactions between donors and political parties.
    • By allowing individuals and organisations to purchase electoral bonds from designated banks, the scheme provided a structured mechanism for channelling funds.
    • These bonds could then be donated to political parties of the donor’s choice, thereby formalizing the process of political contributions.
  • Anonymity for Donors
    • One of the key features of the EBS was the provision for anonymity for donors.
    • While the scheme required purchasers to provide KYC (Know Your Customer) details to the banks at the time of purchasing bonds, the identity of the donor remained confidential.
    • This anonymity was intended to encourage more individuals and entities to contribute to political parties without fear of repercussions or adverse consequences.
  • Curbing Black Money
    • Another objective of the EBS was to curb the generation and circulation of black money in political financing.
    • By formalising the process of political donations and mandating transactions through banking channels, the scheme aimed to reduce the reliance on cash donations and opaque funding mechanisms.
    • The expectation was that by introducing transparency and accountability into the system, the prevalence of black money in elections would diminish.

Reasons Behind the Demise and Criticisms of the EBS

  • Confidentiality and Lack of Transparency
    • One of the primary criticisms levelled against the EBS was its provision for donor anonymity, which undermined transparency in political financing.
    • While the scheme aimed to formalize political contributions and channel funds through banking channels, the confidentiality clause prevented meaningful scrutiny of donor identities.
    • This lack of transparency raised concerns about the potential for misuse and the inability to track the sources of funds effectively.
  • Potential for Misuse and Corruption
    • The confidentiality clause of the EBS also raised concerns about the potential for misuse and corruption within the political system.
    • Critics argued that the anonymity afforded to donors could be exploited to funnel illicit funds to political parties, circumventing regulations, and oversight mechanisms.
    • This raised questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the susceptibility of the scheme to abuse for ulterior motives.
  • Inadequate Safeguards and Oversight
    • Another critique of the EBS was the perceived lack of adequate safeguards and oversight mechanisms to prevent misuse and ensure accountability.
    • The scheme’s design did not incorporate robust mechanisms for monitoring and regulating political contributions, leaving room for manipulation and malpractice.
    • The absence of stringent oversight contributed to doubts about the scheme’s efficacy in curbing black money and enhancing transparency in political financing.
  • SC Intervention and Disclosure Mandates
    • The SC’s intervention further highlighted the shortcomings of the EBS and underscored the need for transparency and accountability in political financing.
    • Court-mandated disclosures and directives compelled greater transparency regarding donor identities and the sources of political contributions.
    • However, these measures also exposed the inadequacies of the scheme and the challenges inherent in reconciling donor anonymity with transparency and accountability.

Way Forward

  • Parliament Not Court Should Find Solutions
    • Parliament, as the supreme legislative body, possesses the “superior” wisdom necessary to navigate complex issues such as political financing.
    • Just as Parliament is entrusted with appointing Election Commissioners, it is also tasked with devising solutions to challenges in electoral processes.
    • A reasonable path forward can only be achieved through a collaborative and consultative process involving all stakeholders.
  • Consultative Process Over Judicial Fiat
    • Court interventions, while sometimes necessary, should not substitute for legislative action.
    • Laws and policies crafted in secrecy or through judicial mandates may lack the legitimacy and effectiveness needed to address complex and multifaceted problems.
    • Instead, an inclusive and transparent consultative process allows for diverse perspectives to be considered and ensures that solutions are grounded in democratic principles.
  • Upholding Probity and Integrity
    • At the heart of the argument is the need to uphold probity and integrity in political financing.
    • The essay highlights the importance of political parties accepting clean money rather than relying on funds obtained through dubious means.
    • It is the responsibility of political parties to prioritise transparency and accountability in their financial dealings.

Conclusion

  • The EBS aimed to reform political funding in India by promoting transparency and accountability, however, its design flaws, including the confidentiality clause and lack of transparency regarding donor identities, undermined its effectiveness.
  • The scheme’s demise highlights the complexities of addressing systemic issues such as black money in politics and underscores the need for comprehensive and transparent reforms in political financing.
  • Ultimately, the responsibility lies with Parliament to devise solutions that ensure probity and fairness in electoral processes.

 



Headlines of the Day 22-03-2024

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Headlines of the Day 22-03-2024

The Hindu, PIB,  Indian Express, AIR

Headline Source Syllabus Key Points to Know
Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024 The Hindu(Page 5) Polity and Governance (GSII)  – What are the key facts related to the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
The choice of MIRV on Agni-V gives itrange and ability to defeat defences The Hindu(Page 8) Defence (GSIII) – What is MIRV Technology?
– Its significance for India
Should judges accept official posts after retirement? The Hindu(Page 9) Judiciary (GSII) – What does ‘cooling-off period’ mean?
– Should judges accept official posts after retirement?
SC dismisses applications to stay appointment of poll commissioners The Hindu(Page 12) Polity and Governance (GSII)  – How are ECs appointed in India?
– Its significance, concerns and the way forward
Great Indian Bustard bird The Hindu(Page 14) Species (GSIII) – What are the key facts related to the Great Indian Bustard bird?
Ministry of Environmenttightens rules on bioplastics The Hindu(Page 14) Environment (GSIII) – What are bioplastics?
– How are they regulated in India?
‘Timely treatment can limit disability in children with Juvenile Arthritis’ The Hindu(Page 20) Health(GSII)/S&T(GSIII) – What is Juvenile Arthritis?
– Its symptoms and treatment
‘Fact Check Unit’  Indian Express(Page 1) Polity and Governance (GSII)  – What is the Fact Check Unit?
– Why has SC stayed Govt’s ‘Fact Check Unit’ for now?
Agnibaan SorTeD Indian Express(Page 9) Space (GSIII) – What are the key facts related to the Agnibaan SorTeD?
India-UAE close relationship Indian Express(Page 10) IR (GSII)
 		 – Why is the UAE important for India?
– Key areas of cooperation between the two nations
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Indian Express (Page 11) Governance (GSII)  – What is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)?
– Its significance, concerns and the way forward
World Inequality Lab report Indian Express(Page 13) Economy(GSIII) – What are the key findings of the recent World Inequality Lab report?
Balochistan  Indian Express(Page 13) IR (GSII) – Why Balochistan remains Pakistan’s ‘problem province’?
International Strategic Engagement Programme (IN-STEP) PIB Defence (GSIII) – What is the International Strategic Engagement Programme (IN-STEP)?
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– Its history and members 
International Telecommunication Union elects India as co-chair of its Digital Innovation Board PIB IR (GSII) – What are the key facts related to the International Telecommunication Union?
IMT TRILAT- 2024 PIB Defence (GSIII) – What are the key facts related to the IMT TRILAT- 2024?
Operation Indravati AIR IR(GSII) – What is Operation Indravati?
– Its objectives
Global e-Waste Monitor 2024 AIR Environment (GSIII) – What does the ‘Global e-Waste Monitor 2024’ report say?


Current Affairs – 18 March 2024

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Current Affairs – 18 March 2024

Mars resonance on Earth

Mars causes the churning of Earth’s ocean every 2.4 million years, which is linked to periods of increased solar energy and a warmer climate.

Mars
  • Red Planet – Mars, sometimes called the Red Planet, is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest.
  • Roman God – Mars has long been associated with warfare and slaughter, it is named for the Roman god of war.
  • Distance – Mars is 53% smaller than Earth, and is 1.52 Astronomical Unit (AU) from the Sun.
  • Earth is 1 Astronomical Unit away from the Sun.
  • Proximity – The planet is the second closest to Earth, after Venus.
  • Orbit – It is usually easy to observe in the night sky because its orbit lies outside Earth’s.
  • Moons – Phobos and Deimos.
  • It is also the only planet whose solid surface and atmospheric phenomena can be seen in telescopes from Earth.
  • Astronomical Grand Cycles – Deep-sea currents shifts every 2.4 million years, and this cycle is known as the astronomical grand cycles.
  • This occurs due to the interaction between the orbits of Earth and Mars.

NASA’s Ingenuity is the first helicopter to fly on Mars, helps in collecting samples from the surface from various locations on Mars.

  • Resonance – Mars and Earth are affecting each other through a phenomenon signified as resonance.
  • Resonance is a concept wherein two bodies affect each other based on their gravitational push or pull on each other.
  • This phenomenon is essential in keeping a balance in the solar system and ensuring the steady orbiting of the planets as every planet’s orbiting affects it’s nearby one due to this resonance.
  • Eccentricity – Resonance affects the shape of their orbits, called eccentricity (a measure of how close to circular their orbits are).
  • Due to this resonance, the Earth is pulled slightly closer to the sun by Mars’ gravitational pull.
  • This means, our planet is exposed to more solar radiation and hence has a warmer climate, before drifting backward again, all over a period of 2.4 million years.
  • Deep Ocean Currents – During warmer times, the deep-sea record shows more breaks, connected to stronger deep ocean currents.
  • Eddies – The stronger currents, known as giant whirlpools or eddies, may reach the seafloor at the deepest parts of the ocean, known as the abyss or abyssal seafloor.

Eddies, played a big role in warming seas in the past.

  • Eddies don not move water like the AMOC, which shifts water between different latitudes.
  • Contourites – Once connected to the deep seafloor, these huge whirlpools could cause erosion and create large snowdrift-like buildups of sediments called “contourites”.
  • AMOC – Eddies may help the offsetting of ocean stagnation, which follows the slowing of Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC).
  • AMOC is a vast system of ocean currents that carries warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • It is responsible for driving the Gulf Stream and maintaining warm climates in Europe.

India’s maiden interplanetary mission, Mangalyaan or the Mars Orbiter Missions (MOM), explores and observes Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and the Martian atmosphere.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

Model Code of Conduct comes into force for 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

  • Guidelines – The MCC of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is a set of guidelines issued to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections.
  • Rules – The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content of election manifestos, processions, and general conduct, so that free and fair elections are conducted.
  • Comes into Force – The MCC comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out.
  • Provisions – The MCC contains eight provisions dealing with general conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling booths, observers, the party in power, and election manifestos.
  • Restrictions – Parties in both centre and state, should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning.
  • No policy, project or scheme can be announced that can influence the voting behaviour.
  • No advertising at the cost of the public exchequer or using official mass media for publicity on achievements to improve chances of victory in the elections.
  • Ministers must not combine official visits with election work or use official machinery for the same.
  • Ruling party cannot use government transport or machinery for campaigning.
  • Ruling government cannot make any ad-hoc appointments in government, public sector undertakings etc., which may influence the voters.
  • Political parties can be criticised based only on their work record and no caste and communal sentiments can be used to lure voters.
  • Mosques, Churches, Temples or any other places of worship should not be used for election campaigns.
  • Bribing, intimidating or impersonation of voters is also barred.

MCC ensures that public places and facilities are provided to the opposition parties on the same terms and conditions on which they are used by the party in power.

  • Election Silence – Holding public meetings during the 48-hour period before the hour fixed for the closing of the poll is also prohibited.
  • The 48-hour period is known as election silence.
  • Binding Nature – It has no statutory backing, meaning anybody breaching the MCC cannot be proceeded against under any clause of the Code.
  • Everything is voluntary.
  • The Election Commission (EC) uses moral sanction or censure for its enforcement.
  • The ECI can issue a notice to a politician or a party for an alleged breach of the MCC either on its own or based on a complaint by another party or individual.
  • Once a notice is issued, the person or party must reply in writing, either accepting fault and tendering an unconditional apology or rebutting the allegation.

Bugun Liocichla

Arunachal Bugun Tribe donates land for critically endangered songbird Bugun Liocichla.

  • Bugun Liocichla is a small babbler bird (only 20 cm) with olive-grey plumage and black cap.

Bugun Liocichla is found only in the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and nowhere else in the world.

  • The bird was identified by Ramana Athreya, a Pune-based astrophysicist.
  • The avian species is critically endangered with only 14 individual birds spotted so far in the Braiduah village under the Singchung sub-division.

Bugun Liocichla was the first bird to be discovered in India since its independence, in 2006.

  • As a major step towards conservation, the Arunachal Pradesh government finally notified Braiduah Community Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • The reserve is situated adjacent to the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bugun Liocichla Utsav is a festival held to commemorate 15 years of the bird’s discovery.

Bugun Tribes
  • From – The Khowa tribe, also known as Bugun people, of western Arunachal Pradesh bordering Bhutan is one of India’s smallest tribal communities.
  • Language – They speak Kho-Bwa language, which is derived from the words ‘Kho’ meaning fire and ‘Bwa’ for water, hence the name Khowa.
  • Their language is similar to Mey language of the neighboring Sherdukpen tribe, with who they coexisted peacefully in the mountains.
  • Race – The Buguns are of Mongoloid race and they believe to have descended from a mythical tribe Achinphumphulua.
  • Endogamous – Buguns are generally endogamous as they marry within their community.

Tentative UNESCO list

Six heritage sites from Madhya Pradesh earn a spot on UNESCO’s tentative list.

Procedure to be included in World Heritage Site (WHS)
  • Selection criteria – To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of 10 selection criteria of UNESCO.
  • Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention can submit nomination proposals for properties on their territory to be considered for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
  • Tentative List – The first step a country must take is to make an ‘inventory’ of its important natural and cultural heritage sites located within its boundaries, known as the Tentative List.
  • The World Heritage Committee cannot consider a nomination for inscription on the World Heritage List unless the property has already been included on the State Party’s Tentative List.
  • Evaluation – A nominated property is independently evaluated by
    1. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
    2. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
    3. The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)
  • Deciding authority – Once a site has been nominated and evaluated, it is up to the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee to make the final decision on its inscription.
  • The sites included in the new list included:
    • Gwalior Fort, Historical Group of Dhamnar, Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley, Khooni Bhandara, God Memorial of Ramnagar.
Sites included in UNESCO Tentative List
Sites Features
Gwalior Fort
  • Gwalior Fort was built in the 8th century, and its origins can be traced back to the Tomar dynasty.
  • The fort is strategically located on a steep sandstone hill, which provides a natural defense advantage.
  • The fort showcases a unique amalgam of architectural styles, including Rajput, Mughal, and Hindu.
  • This blend of styles is a proof to the various dynasties that ruled the region.
Historical Group of Dhamnar
  • The Dhamnar caves are located on a hill near the village of Dhamnar.
  • This rock cut site consists of a total of 51 caves of varying sizes carved into the laterite hill.
  • The hill consists of two groups of structures, the series of Buddhist caves and the hindu temple complex known as the Dharmarajeshwara temple, also called Dharmanath temple.
  • The caves have been mentioned by three different accounts of explorers James Tod who visited the site in 1821, James Furgusson in 1845 and later by Alexander Cunningham who visited the site in 1864-65.
Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple
  • The origin of the town of Bhojpur can be credited to Raja Bhoj, the same man who founded Bhopal in the 11th century AD.
  • The 12th century Bhojeshwar Temple is considered to be one of the finest examples of temple architecture in the region.
  • At its core is the abstract representation of the deity Shiva, or ‘linga’, in the temple sanctum.
Rock Art Sites of Chambal Valley
  • At Daraki-Chattan in the Chambal basin in Madhya Pradesh, a cave in the quartzite buttresses of Indragarh hill.
  • The vertical walls of the cave boast more than 500 cupules.
  • On the southern wall of the cave at Daraki-Chattan, small circular cupules that show conical depth and are about two million years old.
  • The paintings dates back to the Megalithic Age.
Khooni Bhandara
  • Khooni Bhandara is an underground water management system comprising of eight waterworks.
  • These Mughal period waterworks of Burhanpur form one of the most significant historic water systems in India.
  • It was built on similar Persian qanat approach in 1615 CE.

Many important sites of Madhya Pradesh are already part of the tentative list of UNESCO, such as the Satpura Tiger Reserve, The historic ensemble of Orchha, Iconic Saree Weaving Clusters of India etc.

Quick Facts
Ramnagar Ramlila
  • Ramnagar Ramlila is a famous cultural event held annually in Ramnagar, Madhya Pradesh.
  • It’s a traditional performance that reenacts the epic story of the Ramayana, particularly focusing on the life and adventures of Lord Rama.
  • This Ramlila is known for its vibrant costumes, elaborate sets, and enthusiastic participation from the local community.
  • It usually takes place during the festival of Navaratri, attracting large crowds of devotees and tourists who come to witness the spectacle.
  • It was classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 by UNESCO.

Revenue-based financing

Revenue-based financing (RBF) is gaining traction amongst statups and digital SMEs, as venture capital flow continues to be dry and traditional credit remains out of reach for many.

About Revenue-based financing:

  • It is a non-collateralised debt against a percentage of gross revenue. It is an alternative financing product for digitally-enabled businesses, where they can raise capital in exchange for a percentage of their gross revenue as a monthly repayment, in addition to a fixed fee between 8-10% of the principal amount.
  • It is usually opted by companies with steady revenue flow that have a high requirement for short-term working capital, such as cloud kitchens, e-commerce merchants, financial services companies or software-as-a-service firms.
  • In this type of investment investors receive a regular share of the businesses income until a predetermined amount has been paid.
  • Typically, this predetermined amount is a multiple of the principal investment and usually ranges between three to five times the original amount invested.

Revenue-based Financing vs. Debt and Equity-based Financing

  • Revenue-based financing seems similar to debt financing because investors are entitled to regular repayments of their initially invested capital.
  • However, revenue-based funding does not involve interest payments. Instead, the repayments are calculated using a particular multiple that results in returns that are higher than the initial investment.
  • Also, in revenue-based financing, a company is not required to provide collateral to investors. Unlike equity-based investment models, there is no transfer of an ownership stake in a company to investors.

Exercise LAMITIYE

Indian Army contingent departed for Seychelles to participate in the Tenth edition of Joint Military Exercise “LAMITIYE-2024”.

About Exercise LAMITIYE:

  • It is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). ‘LAMITIYE’ meaning ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language is a biennial training event and has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001.
  • 45 personnel each from the GORKHA RIFLES of the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) will participate in the 2024 exercise.
  • The Exercise will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations. The exercise will also build and promote bilateral military relations in addition to exchanging skills, experiences and good practices between both armies
  • Both sides will jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralization of likely threats that may be encountered in Semi-Urban environment, while exploiting and showcasing new-generation equipment and technology.

Co-branded Credit card

The tightening of regulations by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may prompt banks to lean towards collaborating with larger fintech companies for co-branded credit card partnerships.

About Co-branded Credit card:

  • It is a card that is issued jointly by a card-issuer and a co-branding entity bearing the names and logos of both the partnering entities
  • Usage: They can be used in any location where the card network is accepted, not just with the co-branding retailer.
  • Features: They typically come with rewards or other benefits that are tied specifically to purchases made at the co-branding retailer and usually offer rewards or benefits for general purchases as well.

How Co-Branded Cards Work?

  • Co-branded cards work like any normal credit card. They can be used for any purchase wherever cards in that network (such as Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Discover) are accepted.
  • Co-branded card relationships can be structured in a variety of ways. But basically, in order to issue a co-branded credit card, a merchant (such as a department store, gas station, or airline) or another organization (like a university or nonprofit) must partner with a financial institution, which provides the actual credit.

Integrated Assessment Models

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) uses ‘modelled pathways’ drawn using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) to estimate what it will take to limit the warming of the earth’s surface.

About Integrated Assessment Models:

  • These are complex models that examine possible futures of the energy and climate system and economies. They are “integrated” because they combine different strands of knowledge to model human society alongside parts of the Earth system.
  • Its macroeconomic models can point to future growth levels in terms of GDP; its energy models can project future consumption; vegetation models can examine land-use changes; and earth-system models use the laws of physics to understand how climate evolves.
  • With such integration across disciplines, IAMs are meant to provide policy-relevant guidelines on climate action. They also prioritise least-cost assessments — for example, the absolute cost of setting up a solar plant or undertaking afforestation in India is lower than in the U.S.
  • However, experts have said they could exercise the option of enabling countries to equitably share the burden of action, where the richest undertake more drastic mitigation action more immediately.
  • They capture human-society interactions by describing them as coupled systems on the relevant geographical and intertemporal scales for policy-making.
  • They typically include a description of human activity (e.g. energy and land use), direct drivers of environmental change (e.g. emissions, land use and resource use), resulting impacts (e.g. climate change and consequences for crop yields) and response options.

Lake Baikal

Recent study showed that ancient ecosystem of Lake Baikal is at risk of global warming.

About Lake Baikal:

  • It is located in the southern part of eastern Siberiawithin the republic of Russia. It is the oldest existing freshwater lake on Earth (20 million–25 million years old), as well as the deepest continental body of water.
  • It is also the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume, containing about one-fifth of the fresh water on Earth’s surface. The largest rivers that flow into it include the Selenga, Barguzin, Upper (Verkhnyaya) Angara, Chikoy, and Uda.
  • It is known as the ‘Galapagos of Russia’. In 1996 Lake Baikal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site

T+0 Settlement

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently approved the launch of the beta version of the T+0 settlement on an optional basis.

About T+0 Settlement:

  • It means that the funds and securities for a transaction will be settled on the day the trade was entered.
    • At present, the Indian securities markets operate on a T+1 settlement cycle, where the settlement happens on the next day of trade.
  • In 2002, the regulator cut down the settlement period from T+5 to T+3, and in 2003, SEBI further reduced it to T+2. In 2021, the T+1 settlement started and was gradually implemented, with the final phase completed in January 2023.
  • Advantages:
    • Instant receipt of funds and securities to the investor.  It will eliminate the risk of any kind of settlement shortage and give greater control over funds and securities to the investor.
    • There is expected to be lower counterparty risk and increased liquidity in the market.
  • The Moscow Exchange (MOEX), Korea Exchange (KRX), Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE), and Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) offer T+0 settlements for certain types of trades and transactions.

Rice Bran

The Central Government has extended the ban on exports of de-oiled rice bran by another four months

About Rice Bran:

  • It is one of the main byproducts in the process of rice milling. It is the outer brown layer of brown rice and is separated during the milling process.
  • The bran fraction contains 14-18% oil. 
    • Rice bran oil is popular as a “healthy oil” in Japan, Asia, and particularly India.
    • It is a pale yellow, odourless, nutty-flavoured oil with a sweet taste.
    • It is a good source of unsaturated fats, vitamin E and other important nutrients.
  • The nutrient composition of rice bran depends on the rice variety and the efficiency of the milling system. It is currently mostly used as animal feed. The oily nature makes bran an excellent binder for animal feeds.
  • Health Effects:
    • It has anti-diabetic, lipid-lowering, hypotensive, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while its consumption also improves bowel function.
    • It contains substances that might decrease how much cholesterol the body absorbs. It might also decrease calcium absorption, which might help prevent certain types of kidney stones from forming.

Indian Youth Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta Receive ‘Diana Memorial Award’

Diana Memorial Award

  • Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta from India were honored with the prestigious ‘Diana Memorial Award’ on 14 March 2024.
  • Along with them, a total of 20 people from around the world were honored with the ‘Diana Memorial Award’.
  • This award is given every two years in memory of Princess Diana.
  • It recognizes exceptional youth for their social work or humanitarian services.
  • The Diana Award charity, established in memory of the late Princess of Wales, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Prince William Presents the Awards

  • Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta received the award from Prince William at the awards ceremony at the Science Museum, London.
  • Prince William is the elder son of the late Princess Diana.

About Uday Bhatia

  • Uday Bhatia is an inventor from Delhi.
  • His company, Uday Electric, founded by the 18-year-old, is headquartered in Delhi.
  • Uday’s low-cost invention can provide relief from power cuts.
  • He started mentoring 16-year-old school students in a slum in Uttar Pradesh, where he found that power cuts were hampering their education.
  • His invention provided uninterrupted lighting for 10 hours during power cuts, benefiting 950 families and increasing their education and employment opportunities.

About Manasi Gupta

  • Manasi Gupta is a mental health campaigner from Haryana.
  • The Huesothemind Foundation, founded by Manasi Gupta, is headquartered in Gurugram.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 24-year-old’s mental health services were appreciated, and she received recognition.

About Princess Diana

  • Princess Diana was the daughter-in-law of the British royal family.
  • She died on 31 August 1997 and was buried a few days later, on 6 September 1997, at the age of 36.
  • Despite her short life, she became the most popular woman in the world.
  • Diana broke the image of the royal family, broke barriers, and created her own identity, ultimately suffering a painful death.

The ‘Diana Memorial Award honours the legacy of Princess Diana and recognizes the exceptional contributions of young individuals like Uday Bhatia and Manasi Gupta, who are making a positive impact on society.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Inaugurates India’s First Indoor Athletics and Aquatic Centres

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated India’s first indoor athletics stadium and indoor aquatic centre at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneshwar. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new indoor diving centre in the stadium complex.

According to Patnaik, the new indoor facilities will help athletes train throughout the year without fear of weather-related disturbances.

India’s First Indoor Athletics Stadium

  • The newly developed indoor athletics stadium is the first of its kind in India.
  • It has facilities to host national and international athletic events.
  • The stadium, built at an estimated cost of Rs 120 crore, can accommodate 120 athletes for full-time coaching.
  • It also has a classroom for studies, medical facilities, and a dedicated pantry for athletes.
  • Italian company Mondo SpA has set up a 10,000 sq. meter track in the stadium.
  • The stadium has facilities for long jump, triple jump, 100m and 200m race tracks, pole vault, and shot put events.
  • It will be a training ground for the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics High-Performance Centre.

Indoor Aquatic Centre

  • The indoor aquatic centre has a 50-meter Olympic-size pool and a 25-meter warm-up pool with temperature control.
  • It has a seating capacity of 1000 and can hold national and international events.
  • The Odisha Inspire Institute of Sport High-Performance Center will operate from this aquatic centre.
  • The Inspire Institute of Sport in Odisha is a sports coaching centre that trains athletes for the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and other boxing, wrestling, judo, and athletics events.

Indoor Diving Centre

  • The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for an Indoor Diving Centre to be built at the Kalinga Stadium complex.
  • The diving centre will have a diving pool of 25 meters with an additional 5-meter pool for synchronized swimming.
  • The diving pool will be temperature-controlled.

The inauguration of these world-class indoor facilities at the Kalinga Stadium complex in Bhubaneshwar is a significant step towards promoting sports and providing state-of-the-art training infrastructure for athletes in India.

Senior Bureaucrat Rahul Singh Appointed New CBSE Chief

Senior bureaucrat Rahul Singh has been appointed as the chairperson of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), as part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre.

Succeeding Nidhi Chhibber

  • Rahul Singh will succeed Nidhi Chhibber, who has been named Advisor in the Niti Aayog.
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Singh, a 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Bihar cadre, as chairperson, CBSE.

Current Role

  • Rahul Singh is currently serving as Additional Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Other Appointments

  • Nidhi Chhibber will be advisor, NITI Aayog in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary by temporarily upgrading the post and extending her central deputation tenure by one year beyond March 24, 2024.
  • A P Das Joshi, a 1994-batch IAS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre, will be Additional Secretary, DoPT in place of Singh.
  • Rajeev Kumar Mital, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Department of Atomic Energy, has been appointed as Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • Gyanesh Bharti will be Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
  • Deepak Narain has been named as Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

CBSE Overview

  • The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national-level educational board that conducts examinations for secondary and senior secondary levels across India. With Rahul Singh’s appointment as the new chairperson, the CBSE is expected to continue its efforts in providing quality education and ensuring efficient conduct of examinations.

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan Resigns

Resignation of Tamilisai Soundararajan

  • Tamilisai Soundararajan, the Governor of Telangana, has resigned from her position on Monday, March 18, 2024. According to sources, she is likely to contest the Lok Sabha elections from the state of Tamil Nadu.
  • Soundararajan has also resigned from her role as the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Puducherry. She has sent her resignation letter to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.

Second Governor of Telangana

  • Tamilisai Soundararajan served as the second governor of the state of Telangana. She assumed the office on September 8, 2019. In addition to her role as the governor of Telangana, she also served as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry since February 18, 2021.
  • Prior to becoming the governor, Soundararajan held the position of National Secretary and Tamil Nadu State Unit President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Appointment of Governors

The governor of any state in India, including Telangana, is appointed by the President of India. Telangana, which was formed on June 2, 2014, has had two governors so far:

  1. ESL Narasimhan (From June 2, 2014, to September 7, 2019)
  2. Tamilisai Soundararajan (From September 8, 2019, to March 18, 2024)

The governors are the nominal heads and representatives of the President of India in their respective states. Although they are appointed for a term of 5 years, their tenure is not fixed, and they can be removed earlier by the President.

Navneet Sehgal Appointed as Prasar Bharati Board Chairman

Retired bureaucrat Navneet Kumar Sehgal has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Prasar Bharati Board. The position had been vacant for four years after A Surya Prakash retired in February 2020 after turning 70, the upper age limit for the post.

Appointment Process

  • Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday chaired a meeting to appoint the chairman of the nation’s public broadcaster. Present at the meeting were Press Council of India chairperson retired Justice Ranjana Desai and information and broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju.

About Navneet Sehgal

  • Sehgal is a retired IAS officer of the 1988 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
  • He has been closely associated with UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath.
  • Sehgal played a significant role in UP’s global investor summit and hosted MotoGP in Noida last year while serving as the additional chief secretary of sports and youth in the UP government.

Previous Roles

  • In 2020, Sehgal was tasked with overseeing the information department following the Hathras rape case.
  • In 2022, he was transferred to the sports department.
  • In the past, he served as the information secretary in the then-Mayawati-led government from 2007 to 2012.
  • In 2013, Sehgal was appointed as principal secretary in the then Akhilesh Yadav-led government during the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots and also oversaw the Lucknow-Agra Expressway project.

About Prasar Bharati

  • Prasar Bharati is India’s largest public broadcasting agency.
  • It was established by the Prasar Bharati Act of 1990, which came into effect in 1997.
  • The agency includes Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio, previously part of the information and broadcasting ministry.
  • On March 13, Prasar Bharati launched PB-SHABD, a news-sharing service for registered entities to access news feeds from its network of reporters.

The appointment of Navneet Sehgal as the new Prasar Bharati Board Chairman fills a crucial vacancy and is expected to bring new leadership to India’s public broadcasting agency.

Ballistic Missiles

North Korea recently fired short-range ballistic missiles towards its eastern waters as the United States Secretary of State prepared to open a democracy summit in neighbouring South Korea.

About Ballistic Missiles:

  • A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled, self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target.
  • They are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target.
  • They can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions. They can be launched from aircraft, ships and submarines, in addition to land-based silos and mobile platforms.
  • There are four general classifications of ballistic missiles:
    • Short-range: less than 1,000 kilometers (approximately 620 miles), also known as “tactical” ballistic missiles.
    • Medium-range: between 1,000 and 3,000 kilometers also known as “theater” ballistic missiles.
    • Intermediate-range: between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers
    • Long-range: more than 5,500 kilometers, also known as intercontinental or strategic ballistic missiles.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)

The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has affected around 60% of milch cattle in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh.

About Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD):

  • It is a highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
    • Intensively reared animals are more susceptible to the disease than traditional breeds.
    • It does not affect horses, dogs, or cats.
  • It is a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD) that deeply affects the production of livestock and disrupts regional and international trade in animals and animal products.
  • It is also not related to hand, foot and mouth disease, which is a common childhood illness caused by a different virus.
  • The organism which causes FMD is an aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae.
    • There are seven strains (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1) which are endemic in different countries worldwide.  
    • Immunity to one type does not protect an animal against other types or subtypes.
  • FMD is characterised by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves.
  • The disease is rarely fatal in adult animals, but there is often high mortality in young animals. The disease causes severe production losses, and while the majority of affected animals recover, the disease often leaves them weakened and debilitated.
  • It was the first disease for which the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) established official status recognition.


Editorials & Articles – 18 March 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 18 March 2024

Many elections, AI’s dark dimension

Topic: GS2 – Governance

GS3 – Science & Technology – Development & their applications

From a UPSC perspective, understanding AI’s impact on elections is vital for grasping technological and democratic challenges in governance.
Context
●  The article discusses the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in electoral processes, highlighting concerns over disinformation, manipulation, and the need for cautious handling of AI’s evolving capabilities to safeguard democratic principles.

 Rise of AI and Its Implications:

  • Rapid advancement in AI suggests a shift in human progress towards AGI, potentially mimicking human capabilities, revolutionizing technology and human interaction.
  • AI, deemed by some as the most crucial technology in history, promises to enhance living standards but raises concerns regarding undermining human values and posing existential risks.

AI in the Electoral Landscape:

  • The upcoming 2024 elections globally, including India’s, necessitate consideration of AI’s impact on electoral dynamics.
  • AI’s latest manifestations, such as Generative AI, introduce new dimensions to electoral behaviour and outcomes.
  • Elections may serve as a testing ground for AI’s influence, potentially altering electoral behaviors and outcomes.

AI’s Disinformation Challenges:

  • AI tools can amplify disinformation, creating near-realistic falsehoods that may overwhelm and confuse the electorate.
  • Hyper-realistic Deep Fakes and micro-targeting techniques pose significant challenges to the integrity of electoral processes.
  • AI’s potential to disrupt democracies underscores the need for effective countermeasures to prevent AI-driven manipulation of voter sentiment.

Addressing AI’s Risks:

  • While AI’s potential is vast, its inconsistencies and unreliability, coupled with inherent dangers like adversarial capabilities, demand cautious handling.
  • India, as a digital frontrunner, must recognize AI’s disruptive potential while leveraging its benefits, especially in the context of AGI’s unpredictable nature.
  • Prudent measures and checks are necessary to mitigate the risks associated with AI deployment, especially in critical domains like elections.

Conclusion:

  • AI’s evolution towards AGI poses both opportunities and challenges, particularly in electoral processes where disinformation and manipulation threaten democratic principles.
  • India’s digital leadership demands a balanced approach, leveraging AI’s benefits while safeguarding against its disruptive potential and inherent risks.
Possible ways to control AI intervention in  elections
Potential Impact:

●AI can amplify disinformation, leading to voter manipulation and erosion of democratic principles.

●Deep Fake technology may create realistic but false narratives, influencing public opinion and electoral outcomes.

●Micro-targeting techniques enable tailored messaging, exacerbating polarization and divisiveness within societies.

● AI-driven bots and algorithms can spread propaganda, misinformation, and fake news at scale, undermining trust in electoral processes.

Way Forward:

● Implement robust regulations and oversight mechanisms to monitor AI use in electoral campaigns.

●  Foster transparency and accountability in AI deployment through clear guidelines and ethical standards.

●Invest in AI detection tools to identify and combat disinformation campaigns and Deep Fake content.

●Promote media literacy and public awareness programs to educate voters on AI manipulation tactics.

●Collaborate with tech companies to develop AI algorithms that prioritize factual information over misinformation.

● Strengthen cyber security measures to safeguard electoral infrastructure against AI-enabled attacks.

●  Foster international cooperation to address global challenges posed by AI in elections.

●Enhance legal frameworks to adapt to evolving AI technologies and address emerging issues effectively.

●Engage civil society organizations and academia to research and advocate for solutions mitigating AI’s negative impact on democratic processes.
PYQ: With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

1) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units

2) Create meaningful short stories and songs

3) Disease diagnosis

4) Text-to-Speech Conversion

5) Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

 

Ans: (b)

The Election Commission must ensure a free and fair democratic process

Topic: GS2 – Polity – Indian Constitution – Significant provisions

Understanding electoral processes, fairness, and institutional challenges is crucial for UPSC aspirants to comprehend India’s democratic functioning.
Context
● The article discusses the announcement of the 18th Lok Sabha election in India, spanning seven phases over 44 days, amid concerns over electoral fairness, political influence, and challenges faced by the Election Commission in ensuring transparency and public trust.

General Election Announcement and Campaigning:

  • The 18th Lok Sabha election will span seven phases over 44 days, with vote counting on June 4.
  • The ruling BJP advocates “one nation, one poll” to streamline electioneering time.
  • The election season underscores India’s status as the world’s largest democratic exercise.

Political Landscape and BJP’s Narrative:

  • India has experienced significant changes since 2019, with the BJP emphasizing progress and prosperity in its second term.
  • Opposition critique of the BJP has been feeble, attributed to the ruling party’s influence over state institutions and actors like the media and bureaucracy.
  • The Opposition faces inherent weaknesses, exemplified by the constraints on the principal party’s bank account over a minor procedural issue.

Challenges to Electoral Fairness:

  • The electoral bond scheme, deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, reveals a concerning trend of diminishing fairness in the election process.
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) faces the challenge of ensuring both fairness and public perception of fairness amid controversies surrounding its member appointments and the election schedule.

Critique of ECI’s Handling:

  • Opposition leaders question the necessity of a prolonged election schedule, particularly in West Bengal where polls are staggered across all phases.
  • While the ECI defends electronic voting machines, it must work to enhance public trust in them.
  • The ECI’s hesitation on issues like donor privacy versus voter information rights, despite court rulings, undermines confidence in its decisions.

Conclusion:

  • The ECI plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process, especially amidst challenges to fairness and transparency.
  • It must address concerns regarding member appointments, election scheduling, and controversial issues like the electoral bond scheme to maintain public trust.
  • As the world observes India’s democratic exercise, the ECI’s actions will be scrutinized for their impact on the nation’s democratic principles and practices.
Free and fair elections –  and role of Election Commission of India
Need for Free and Fair Elections:

●  Ensures democratic representation and legitimacy of elected government.

●Upholds citizens’ rights to choose their representatives without coercion or manipulation.

●   Promotes political stability, social cohesion, and trust in the democratic process.

●   Facilitates peaceful transfer of power and accountability of elected officials.

Role of Election Commission of India (ECI):

●Conducts elections impartially, ensuring a level playing field for all parties and candidates.

● Registers political parties and oversees their adherence to election laws and ethical standards.

●Organizes voter registration and education initiatives to enhance electoral participation and awareness.

●  Deploys electronic voting machines (EVMs) and safeguards their integrity to prevent tampering.

● Monitors campaign expenditure and enforces regulations to curb electoral malpractices.

● Addresses complaints and disputes related to electoral processes through fair and transparent mechanisms.

●Collaborates with law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order during elections.

● Upholds the principles of free and fair elections enshrined in the Constitution and electoral laws.

Only if States Agree

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation

The article explores the debate around “One Nation, One Election” and its implications, providing insights into governance, federalism, and nation-building, which are relevant for UPSC aspirants.
Context:
  • The article discusses the debate surrounding the “One Nation, One Election” proposal, exploring its potential impact on national unity and federalism in India, drawing insights from historical perspectives and contemporary political dynamics.
  • Top of Form

Introduction:

  • The proposal for “One Nation, One Election” by the Ram Nath Kovind panel has sparked a contentious debate regarding its potential impact on national unity and the federal structure of India.

Synchronization Proposal:

  • The panel suggests synchronizing national and state elections to streamline the electoral process.
  • It aims to implement this synchronization by 2029, advocating for the reduction of certain state assembly tenures to align with this schedule.
  • The rationale behind this proposal is to minimize disruptions caused by frequent elections and enhance governance and development.

Implications for National Unity:

  • The proposal indicates a move towards centralization and a more organized democratic system.
  • However, its impact on national unity depends on the perspective regarding federalism and Indian nationhood.
  • Historical viewpoints shed light on contrasting views regarding linguistic diversity and the process of nation-building.

Gandhian Perspective:

  • Mahatma Gandhi envisioned Indian identity as a blend of regional and national identities.
  • He promoted linguistic federation within the Congress party, advocating for the coexistence of regional and national affiliations.
  • This concept aligns with the idea of a “state-nation” rather than a “nation-state.”

Contemporary Relevance:

  • The debate over “One Nation, One Election” reflects a tension between centralization and regional diversity.
  • While synchronized elections may enhance efficiency, they risk sidelining regional parties and perspectives.
  • A consensus among various stakeholders is crucial for implementing significant changes in the political landscape.

Conclusion:

  • The proposal for synchronized elections raises fundamental questions about India’s identity and governance structure.
  • Balancing centralization with regional diversity is essential for preserving national unity and upholding democratic principles.
Pros & Cons of One Nation One Election
Pros:

– Reduces frequency of elections, allowing governments to focus on governance instead of continuous campaigning.

– Saves time and resources spent on conducting multiple elections.

– Enhances policy continuity and stability by aligning national and state elections.

– Reduces disruptions caused by frequent elections to administrative processes and public services.

– Streamlines the electoral process and minimizes voter fatigue.

Cons:

– May undermine federalism by centralizing power and reducing states’ autonomy.

– Could disadvantage smaller regional parties with limited resources and grassroots support.

– Risks diluting the democratic process by limiting opportunities for public engagement and accountability.

– May disproportionately benefit national parties with greater organizational strength and financial resources.

– Challenges in synchronizing election schedules across diverse states with varying political landscapes and priorities.

Diversify the Basket

Topic: GS3 – Agriculture – Issues related to Direct & indirect farm subsidies, MSP, Cropping pattern

The article sheds light on the need for agricultural diversification and policy reforms to enhance productivity, crucial for understanding Indian agriculture’s challenges and potential solutions.
Context:
  • The article challenges perceptions of Punjab’s agricultural dominance, revealing its lower rank in agri-value creation.
  • It advocates for diversification and learning from successful states to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure farmers’ prosperity.

Introduction:

  • Contrary to popular belief, Punjab’s agricultural productivity is not as high as perceived. This article delves into a comparative analysis of agricultural value creation across Indian states for the year 2021-22.

Challenging Perceptions:

  • Punjab, often hailed for its agricultural prowess, ranks surprisingly low, at 13th place, in terms of agri-value generated per hectare.
  • This revelation contrasts with the common notion of Punjab’s agricultural dominance.

Comparative Analysis:

  • Using metrics like agri-GDP per hectare based on both Net Sown Area (NSA) and Gross Cropped Area (GCA), the study unveils states like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu as leaders in agricultural value creation.

Punjab’s Dilemma:

  • The overemphasis on rice-wheat cultivation, fuelled by the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime and subsidies, has hindered Punjab’s ability to diversify its agricultural portfolio.
  • Urgent measures are required to avert ecological calamities.

Path to Resurgence:

  • Encouraging crop diversification towards high-value alternatives such as pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables is imperative.
  • Establishing crop-neutral incentive structures can incentivize farmers to make the transition.

Learning from Success Stories:

  • States like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal offer valuable lessons in agricultural diversification and innovation.
  • Practices like Ultra High-Density Plantation (UHDP) and Agri-Export Zones (AEZs) have proven effective in boosting agricultural productivity.

Tapping into Dairy Potential:

  • Punjab’s dairy sector presents untapped potential for value-added processing, offering opportunities for growth and diversification beyond traditional crops.

Conclusion:

  • Embracing demand-driven, high-value agricultural systems is essential for Punjab and Haryana to enhance farmers’ prosperity and ensure sustainable agricultural development in the long run.
Why Diversification and Policy Reforms are Key to Boosting Agricultural Productivity
Traditional, monoculture farming methods (focusing on a single crop) are facing increasing limitations. Here’s why agricultural diversification and policy reforms are crucial for enhancing productivity:

Benefits of Diversification:

  • Reduced risk: By planting a variety of crops, farmers are less vulnerable to price fluctuations, pests, and diseases that target specific crops. A bad harvest for one crop can be offset by the success of others.
  • Improved soil health: Different crops have varying nutrient requirements. Crop rotation helps replenish nutrients in the soil, leading to better long-term yields. This reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and promotes sustainable practices.
  • Increased income: Diversification allows farmers to explore high-value crops, fruits, vegetables, or integrate livestock rearing. This can significantly improve their income potential.
  • Environmental benefits: Diversification promotes biodiversity, attracting beneficial insects and reducing reliance on pesticides. It can also help mitigate climate change by improving soil carbon sequestration.

Policy Reforms for Improved Productivity:

  • Research and development: Government support for research into new crop varieties, better irrigation methods, and sustainable farming practices can significantly enhance yields.
  • Infrastructure development: Building better storage facilities, transportation networks, and access to markets reduces post-harvest losses and allows farmers to reach wider markets, improving their bargaining power.
  • Financial support: Providing easy access to credit, subsidies for essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers, and crop insurance schemes can incentivize diversification and reduce risk for farmers.
  • Education and training: Extending agricultural extension services and training programs on new technologies, diversification strategies, and market trends empowers farmers to make informed decisions.

Overall, agricultural diversification, coupled with well-designed policy reforms, can create a more resilient, productive, and profitable agricultural sector. This can ensure food security, improve farmer livelihoods, and promote environmental sustainability.
ECI Announces Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule

Why in News?

  • Kicking off the world’s largest election exercise, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the 18th Lok Sabha elections would be held in 7 phases from April 19 to June 1, with counting of votes on June 4.
  • With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force, bringing announcements of new schemes by the government and use of government machinery for electioneering by ministers to a halt.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Announcement of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule
  • Number of Voters, Polling Stations and Officials
  • The ECI Faces the Following Challenges and Has Taken the Following Steps
  • Why 2024 Lok Sabha Polls Extend into June?

Announcement of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule:

  • The exercise will stretch for 81 days, which was concluded in 75 days in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
  • The ECI also announced the schedule for the Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim Assembly elections, where polling would be held on the same day as the Lok Sabha polling.
  • The EC also announced bye-elections to 26 Assembly seats across states.
  • According to the CEC, while all political parties in J&K asked for the Assembly elections to be held simultaneously with Lok Sabha, it was not possible due to administrative reasons.
    • Owing to the security concerns in J&K, each candidate would have to be provided with security.

Number of Voters, Polling Stations and Officials:

  • A total of 96.8 crore voters, of which 49.7 crore are male and 47.1 crore are female, including 88.4 lakh persons with disabilities, 48,000 transgender voters and 19.1 lakh service electors, will be eligible to cast their votes.
  • There are 1.8 crore first-time voters who are 18 to 19 years old, and 19.74 crore in the age group 20-29 years.
    • In other words, those under 30 make up a fifth of the total voters.
    • Young voters and women voters, who outnumber men in 12 states, were well represented in the electoral roll.
  • The number of polling stations increased to 10.48 lakh (up from 10.35 lakh in 2019) and would involve 1.5 crore polling and security officials, 55 lakh EVMs and 4 lakh vehicles.

The ECI Faces the Following Challenges and Has Taken the Following Steps:

  • According to the CEC, the ECI faces four challenges – 4Ms (muscle, money, misinformation and MCC violations).
  • Asked why the elections spread across seven phases (in 2024 as was the case in 2019 as well), the CEC highlighted the –
    • Historical and geographic situation of the country,
    • Weather (extending into the peak summer months), festivals, examinations and movement of security forces, as some of the challenges.
  • The ECI is establishing 24/7 integrated control rooms in districts and webcasting in sensitive booths and a minimum of 50% of all polling stations. On some international borders, there will be drone-based checking too.
  • Addressing political parties, the CEC said the ECI would not tolerate MCC violations and would have a “calibrated approach”.
  • Asked if voting in a peak summer month would affect voter turnout, the official said that by the 7th phase, only 57 seats would be left.
    • All southern states and a state like Rajasthan where maximum temperatures go very high would have finished their voting by then.

Why 2024 Lok Sabha Polls Extend into June?

  • The first general election to Lok Sabha was held over 68 phases from October 25, 1951, to February 21, 1952.
  • The only other time general elections were held in June was the 1991 Lok Sabha polls, but that was because the Chandra Shekhar government was dissolved 16 months after it was sworn in.
  • The spillover of the 18th Lok Sabha elections into June is primarily due to two reasons: 6-days delay in the poll announcement (when compared with the 2019 polls) and consecutive festivals.
  • The Commission had to ensure that important dates such as the last date of withdrawal or polling days did not coincide with festivals (such as Holi, Tamil new year, Bihu and Baisakhi in March and April).
  • The delay in the poll announcement was partly circumstantial, as Election Commissioner Arun Goel abruptly quit, citing personal reasons.
    • At the time of Goel’s resignation, the third Election Commissioner, Anup Chandra Pandey, had already retired.
    • Although legally only the CEC can conduct the elections, it was preferred to have the full Commission in place going into an election as crucial as the Lok Sabha elections.
    • The government appointed two new Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, on March 14.
India Successfully Test Fires Agni-V Ballistic Missile

Why in the News?

  • On March 11, Prime Minister Modi announced the successful flight test of an Agni V ballistic missile with Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • India’s Missile Tech (History, IGMDP, Agni Missile System, BrahMos, etc.)
  • Mission Divyastra
  • About MIRV Technology

Brief History of India’s Missile Technology:

  • Before Independence, several kingdoms in India were using rockets as part of their warfare technologies.
  • Mysore ruler Hyder Ali started inducting iron-cased rockets in his army in the mid-18th
  • By the time Hyder’s son Tipu Sultan died, a company of rocketeers was attached to each brigade of his army, which has been estimated at around 5,000 rocket-carrying troops.

Post-Independence:

  • At the time of Independence, India did not have any indigenous missile capabilities. The Union Government created the Special Weapon Development Team in 1958.
  • This was later expanded and became Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in 1961.
    • DRDL is now a part of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
  • In 1972, Project Devil, for the development of a medium range Surface-to-Surface Missile was initiated.
  • The development of components / systems for Project Devil formed the technology base for the future Integrated Guided Missiles Development Programme.

Integrated Guided Missiles Development Programme (IGMDP):

  • IGMDP was a Ministry of Defence programme for the research and development of the comprehensive range of missiles.
  • The project started in 1982–83 under the leadership of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who oversaw its ending in 2008 after these strategic missiles were successfully developed.
  • Nodal agencies: DRDO and Ordnance Factories Board
  • The 5 missiles developed under this program are:
    • Prithvi: Short range surface to surface ballistic missile
    • Trishul: Short range low level surface to air missile
    • Nag: Anti-tank guided missile
    • Akash: Medium range surface to air missile
    • Agni: Surface to surface ballistic missiles with different ranges

Agni Ballistic Missile System:

  • The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the IGMDP and tested in 1989.
  • The Agni missile family consists of four deployed variants, i.e. Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni-III and Agni-IV are already in service with the Indian Army.
  • Agni-V was successfully test-fired in December, 2018.
  • All Agni missiles are nuclear-capable ballistic missile system.

List of Agni missiles with their range:

  • Agni-I: 700-800 Km
  • Agni-II: 2000 Km
  • Agni-III: 3000 Km
  • Agni-IV: 4000 Km
  • Agni-V: 5000 Km
    • The Agni-V is an intercontinental range ballistic missile with three solid fuel stages.

About BrahMos Missile:

  • The BrahMos Missile is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by DRDO and Russia.
    • It is named after the rivers Brahmaputra and Moskva.
  • Brahmos is a multiplatform i.e., it can be launched from land, air, and sea.
  • It became operational in 2006.
  • Range: 300-500 Km

Missile Systems & future technologies under various stages of development:

  • Astra: Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile. It is under induction.
  • Rudram: New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile. It has cleared initial tests.
  • India is also testing Hypersonic technology.
    • Hypersonic missiles travel at Mach 5, five times the speed of sound.
  • Under Mission Shakti, India had successfully tested anti-satellite missile system in April, 2019.
    • Only three other countries, United States, Russia and China, have anti-satellite capabilities in the world.

Mission Divyastra:

  • On March 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the successful flight test of an Agni V ballistic missile with Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
  • Under ‘Mission Divyastra’, DRDO test fired Agni V ballistic missile.
  • At present, the US, UK, France, China, Russia and India are among the elite group that possesses the technology.

About Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) Technology:

  • The MIRV have revolutionized the concept of ballistic missile payloads by enabling a single missile to carry multiple warheads, each capable of targeting enemies at different locations.
  • The technology was first introduced in the US with the successful test of the Minuteman III in 1968, which brought the technology into actual use in the 1970.
  • The Soviet Union developed their own MIRV-enabled ICBM and SLBM technology by the end of the 1970s.
  • The strategic shift started by MIRV has enabled many nations to greater target damage and reduce the effectiveness of enemy missile systems, altering the landscape of global nuclear deterrence.
  • The warheads on MIRVs can be launched at different speeds and in different directions. Some MIRVed missiles can hit targets as far as 1,500 km apart.
  • The technology requires a delicate combination of large missiles, small warheads, precise guidance, and a complex mechanism for releasing warheads sequentially during flight.
Nepal’s continuing political turmoil and the task for India

Why in news?

  • Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda won a vote of confidence in the 275-member lower house of Parliament recently.
  • Prachanda won his third trust vote in a bit more than a year. It happened after the Prime Minister ended his party’s partnership with Sher Bahadur Deuba’s Nepali Congress and formed a new alliance with K P Sharma Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist).

What’s in today’s article?

  • Political crisis in Nepal
  • India’s stand
  • Bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal
  • India vs China in Nepal

Political crisis in Nepal

  • Floor test of January 2023
    • Prachanda took oath for the third time in December 2022 (he had been Prime Minister earlier in 2008-09 and 2016-17).
    • He won 268 votes in the floor test of January 2023 after receiving support from almost all parties, including both the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML.
  • Second floor test in March 2023
    • Prachanda had to seek a second vote in March 2023 after CPN-UML and the monarchist Rashtriya Prajatantra Party withdrew support.
      • These parties withdrew support over Prachanda’s backing for Ramchandra Paudel of the Nepali Congress to be President.
    • Nepali Congress supported the Prachanda government during this floor test.
  • Third floor test in March 2024
    • On March 4 this year, Prachanda dumped Nepali Congress (led by Deuba) and went back to CPN-UML (led by K P Sharma Oli), which triggered the vote in Parliament.
  • Nepal had seen 13 governments since 2008
    • Nepal has had 13 governments since 2008, the year in which the country’s 239-year-old monarchy was abolished and a republic was proclaimed.
    • Over the years, Prachanda, Deuba, and Oli have been the leading political actors in Nepal.
  • Impact of political instability on Nepal
    • The political instability in Nepal has impacted the country’s economy.
    • Thousands of young Nepalis are heading abroad, mainly to the Middle East, South Korea, and Malaysia, in search of work.
    • In 2022-23, about 7.7 lakh people got permits to go to foreign job destinations.

India’s stand

  • Cause of concern for India
    • The extraordinary political instability in Nepal is of concern to India, where Prachanda’s moves are being watched with a mix of caution and admiration.
    • However, while Prachanda retains significant goodwill in New Delhi, his now partner in government, Oli, does not.
  • Oli and India
    • The actions and statements by Oli in 2015 had caused a fair bit of bitterness in India.
      • During his tenure the Nepalese constitution was drafted, which led to protests and the infamous border blockade.
    • Oli, who was Prime Minister then, portrayed India as the neighbourhood bully in his country.
  • Nepal being described as India-locked
    • Politicians in Nepal have often described the country as being India-locked, meaning it needs India for access to ports.

Bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal

  • Bilateral trade between India and Nepal
    • India is Nepal’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade crossing $7 billion in FY 2019-20.
    • India provides transit for almost all of Nepal’s third country trade.
    • Indian exports to Nepal have grown more than eight times over the past decade, while exports from Nepal have almost doubled.
  • Cooperation during Covid Pandemic
    • During the Covid-19 pandemic, India provided assistance of more than $7 million to Nepal.
    • This included the supply of more than 23 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment, more than 9.5 million doses of vaccines, and a medical oxygen plant.
  • People to people contact and remittances
    • About 8 million Nepalese citizens live and work in India, and some 6 lakh Indians live in Nepal. Indians are about 30% of foreign tourists in Nepal.
    • The bilateral remittance flow is estimated at $3 billion from Nepal to India, and $1 billion in the opposite direction.

India Vs China in Nepal

  • Use of Chinese card by Nepal
    • Nepal is sandwiched between the two Asian giants.
    • The Nepalese political leadership, including the country’s former monarchs, has long sought to play the China card to manage the relationship with India.
  • China is pouring aids to wean Nepal away from India
    • China has been pouring aid and investment in infrastructure to wean Kathmandu away from New Delhi.
    • Nepalese imports from China almost tripled from (Indian) Rs 49.5 billion in 2013-14 to Rs 138.75 billion ($1.67 billion) in 2022-23.

Conclusion

  • New Delhi’s position on the politics and future of Nepal must remain nuanced and flexible, with the people of Nepal at its centre. It must ensure that China or its proxies do not get an opportunity to ride on suspicion or prejudice against India.
  • More than an elder brother, India must take steps to make Nepal an equal partner.
Forex exchange reserves reach over two-year high

Why in news?

  • India’s forex kitty jumped by USD 10.47 billion to USD 636.095 billion for the week ended March 8.
  • In October 2021, the country’s forex kitty had reached an all-time high of USD 645 billion. The reserves took a hit as the central bank deployed the kitty to defend the rupee amid pressures caused majorly by global developments since last year

What’s in today’s article?

  • Foreign exchange reserves (about, composition, role, factors affecting forex reserves)

Foreign exchange reserves (Forex Reserve)

  • Foreign Exchange reserves or Forex reserves are assets such as foreign currencies, gold reserves, treasury bills, etc retained by a central bank or other monetary authority.
    • RBI is the custodian of the Foreign exchange reserves in India.
  • It checks the balance payments and influences the foreign exchange rate of its currency and maintains stability in financial markets.

Composition of India’s Forex Reserves

  • The Foreign exchange reserves of India consists of below four categories:
    • Foreign Currency Assets : Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves.
    • Gold
    • SDR: It is an international reserve asset used by IMF for internal accounting purposes.
      • Also known as paper gold, the value of SDR is based on a basket of five currencies – the U.S. dollar, the euro, the Chinese renminbi, the Japanese yen, and the British pound sterling.
    • Reserve with the International Monetary Fund (also known as reserve tranche position)
      • Reserve tranche position is the difference between the IMF’s holdings of that country’s currency and the country’s IMF-designated quota.

Role of the Foreign Exchange Reserve

  • It ensures that RBI has backup funds if their national currency rapidly devalues or becomes altogether insolvent.
  • If the value of the Rupee decreases due to an increase in demand of the foreign currency, then RBI sells the dollar in the Indian money market so that depreciation of the Indian currency can be checked.
  • A country with a good stock of forex has a good image at the international level because the trading countries can be sure about their payments.
  • A good forex reserve helps in attracting foreign trade and earns a good reputation in trading partners.

Factors affecting Forex Reserve

  • FPI inflows – Greater FPI inflows increases the forex reserve.
  • Dip in crude oil prices – Since India is an oil importing currency, dip in crude oil prices increases the forex reserves.
  • Import savings – Reduction in imports increases the foreign exchange reserves.
  • FDI inflows – Greater the FDI inflows, greater will be the forex reserves.
  • Dip in gold imports – Gold is a big import component for India. Dip in gold imports increases the forex reserve.


Headlines of the Day 18-03-2024

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Headlines of the Day 18-03-2024

The Hindu , PIB,  Indian Express, AIR

Headline Source Syllabus Key points to know
Big beneficiaries claim inability to reveal poll bond donor details The Hindu(Page 1) Polity and Governance (GSII)  What is the Electoral bond issue?Key facts related to it
Lisu and Singpho communities The Hindu(Page 1) Society (GSI) Who are Lisu and Singpho communities?Key facts related to them
Sangita Kalanidhi award for vocalist T.M. Krishna The Hindu(Page 5) Culture (GSI) What is the Sangita Kalanidhi award?Its significance
Many elections, AI’s dark dimension The Hindu(Page 6) Polity and Governance (GSII) / S&T (GSIII) What is the impact of AI on elections?What needs to be done?
The Myanmar conflict is a regional problem The Hindu(Page 6) IR (GSII) What are the causes of conflict in Myanmar?Its likely impact on India
The problem of equity in IPCC reports The Hindu(Page 8) Environment (GSIII) What are IPCC assessment reports?What did the new study find?
How were the new Election Commissioners selected? The Hindu(Page 8) Polity and Governance (GSII) How were the new Election Commissioners selected?What does the law say on the appointment process? Why has the new Act been challenged?
HbA1C test The Hindu(Page 9) Health (GSII) / S&T (GSIII) What is the HbA1C test and why is it used to check for diabetes?
IceCube neutrino observatory The Hindu(Page 20) S&T (GSIII) What is the significance of the IceCube neutrino observatory?
Son’s tribute to father, ‘piece of Gujarat in Delhi’: Story of Chausath Khamba Indian  Express (Page 4) History (GSI)  What are the key facts related to the Chausath Khamba?
Why and how One Nation, One Election is divisive Indian  Express (Page 8) Polity and Governance (GSII) What is One Nation, One Election?Its significance, concerns and the way forward
Amid Nepal’s continuing political turmoil, confidence vote win for PM Prachanda, the task for India Indian  Express (Page 11) IR (GSII) What is currently happening in Nepal’s politics?Its likely impact for India
AI-SIMA Indian  Express (Page 11) S&T (GSIII) What is SIMA?How does SIMA work?
“EXERCISE LAMITIYE – 2024” PIB Defence (GSIII) What are the key facts related to “EXERCISE LAMITIYE”?
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) to be Conducted Nationwide Under ULLAS PIB Education (GSII) What is the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)?Its significance
Volcano Eruption In Reykjanes Peninsula In Iceland; State Of Emergency Declared In Southern Iceland Air  GS 1 (Geography) What are the key facts related to the Reykjanes Peninsula?Why is a State Of Emergency declared In Southern Iceland?



Headlines of the Day 16-03-2024

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Headlines of the Day 16-03-2024

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Mint, AIR

Headline Source Syllabus Key Points to know
Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 PIB Governance – What are the key provisions of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024?
Ethanol100 PIB Environment – What is Ethanol100?
– Its application and significance
St. Patrick’s Day The Hindu Miscellaneous – What is the significance of St. Patrick’s Day?
New ECs take charge;
Supreme Court refuses to
stay their appointments		 The Hindu Polity and Governance – How are ECs and CECs appointed in India?
– Its significance, concerns and the way forward?
Model Code of Conduct The Hindu / Ind Exp Governance – What is the  Model Code of Conduct?
– Its importance
Bengaluru’s Water Crisis Ind Exp Environment – What are the reasons behind Bengaluru’s Water Crisis?
– What is the way forward?
Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) Ind Exp Science and Tech – What is the Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)?
– Its significance
Gaganyaan Mission Ind Exp Science and Tech – What is the Gaganyaan Mission?
– What the success of Gaganyaan could mean for Indian science?



Current Affairs – 16 March 2024

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Current Affairs – 16 March 2024

ETHANOL 100 fuel

Recently, the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, launched ‘ETHANOL 100’.

About ETHANOL 100 fuel:

  • It has high-octane rating, typically between 100-105. It proves ideal for high-performance engines, ensuring improved efficiency and power output all while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Moreover, ETHANOL 100’s versatility shines through, as it can be used in a wide array of vehicles, including flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) designed to run on gasoline, ethanol or any blend of the two.
  • Its practicality and potential to become a mainstream fuel option with the right infrastructure in place. It includes 93-93.5 percent ethanol blended with 5 percent petrol and 1.5 percent co-solvent, which is a binder. 
  • It stands as a cleaner, greener alternative to gasoline, boasting lower emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, thus aiding in combating climate change and enhancing air quality in our communities.

What are flex-fuel vehicles?

  • These are designed to run on a variety of fuels. These are equipped with an internal combustion engine (ICE) which can run on petrol or ethanol or methanol, giving consumers choice at the point of sale of the fuel.
  • Apart from a few modifications, flex fuel vehicles are similar to petrol-only cars.

SIMA

Google DeepMind revealed its latest AI gaming agent called SIMA which can follow natural language instructions to perform tasks across video game environments.

About SIMA:

  • Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent (SIMA) as an AI Agent which can process data and take action themselves. It can be called a generalist AI Agent that is capable of doing different kinds of tasks.
  • Features
    • It is like a virtual buddy who can understand and follow instructions in all sorts of virtual environments
    • It can accomplish tasks or solve challenges assigned to it. It “understands” commands as it has been trained to process human language.
    • One distinct feature of this AI Agent is that it is capable of learning and adapting.
    • SIMA does this through the interactions it has with the user. The more you interact with SIMA, the smarter it gets by learning from its experiences and improves over time. This makes it better at understanding and fulfilling user requests.
  • However, SIMA goes beyond that and can follow instructions in a variety of game This could potentially introduce more helpful AI agents for other environments.
  • These research marks the first time an agent has demonstrated it can understand a broad range of gaming worlds and follow natural-language instructions to carry out tasks within them, as a human might.

Atapaka Bird Sanctuary

In recent times, nature lovers, bird watchers are having an enjoyable time at Atapaka Bird Sanctuary with thousands of migratory birds arriving at Kolleru Lake.

About Atapaka Bird Sanctuary:

  • It is situated on the Kolleru Lake in the Indian state Andhra Pradesh. It is the home to a vast repertoire of birds. It is especially known for sheltering Pelicans.
  • It spans across two districts namely West Godavari and Krishna. It falls under Kaikalur forest range.
  • The common species that can be found in the sanctuary include Cormorants, Common Redshanks, Pied Avocets, Black-winged Stilts, Red-crested Pochards etc.

Key facts about Kolleru Lake

  • It is the largest freshwater lake in India. It is located in Andhra Pradesh between the Krishna and Godavari deltas and covers an area of 308 km². The lake serves as a natural flood-balancing reservoir for these two rivers.
  • The lake is fed directly by water from the seasonal Budameru and Tammileru streams, and is connected to the Krishna and Godavari systems by over 68 inflowing drains and channels. It serves as a habitat for migratory birds.
  • The lake was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in November 1999 under India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and designated a wetland of international importance in November 2002 under the international Ramsar Convention.

World Monuments Fund

The Eri (tank) network in the Kazhuveli watershed region is to be proposed for nomination to the World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 programme.

About World Monuments Fund:

  • It is the leading independent organization devoted to safeguarding the world’s most treasured places to enrich people’s lives and build mutual understanding across cultures and communities.
  • Since 1965, it has preserved the world’s diverse cultural heritage using the highest international standards at more than 700 sites in 112 countries.
  • It draws on heritage to address some of today’s most pressing challenges: climate change, underrepresentation, imbalanced tourism, and post-crisis recovery. 
  • Headquarter: New York City
  • In 2015, WMF India became the most recent entry to the World Monuments Fund family of affiliates, established under India’s Companies Act, following the country’s policy to include heritage conservation in corporate social responsibility programs

What is the World Monuments Watch?

  • It is a nomination-based program that connects local heritage preservation to global awareness and action.
  • Every two years, the Watch rallies support to places in need and the people who care for them, spotlighting new challenges.
  • At its core, the Watch’s call to action seeks to empower timely preservation efforts that improve the lives of communities. The 2025 Watch will include 25 places, each telling an urgent local story with global relevance.

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s drug Rezdiffra gained the first US approval to treat a potentially deadly liver disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH.

About Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH):

  • It is liver inflammation and damage caused by a buildup of fat in the liver. It is part of a group of conditions called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
  • NASH can get worse and cause scarring of the liver, which leads to cirrhosis. But the disease doesn’t always get worse.
  • It is similar to the kind of liver disease that is caused by long-term, heavy drinking. But NASH occurs in people who don’t drink alcohol.
  • Symptoms: As NASH progresses and liver damage gets worse, one may start to have symptoms such as:
    • Fatigue (feeling tired all the time).
    • Weight loss for no clear reason.
    • General weakness.
    • An ache in the upper right part of your belly.
  • Causes: Things that put people at risk for NASH and for liver damage include: obesity, Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, metabolic syndrome etc.
  • Treatment for NASH includes managing conditions that increase your risk for NASH or make it worse. You can:
    • Reduce your total cholesterol level.
    • Reach a healthy weight. Losing 3% to 10% of your total body weight can make a difference.
    • Control diabetes

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

The Supreme Court recently observed that mere filing of the cheque dishonor complaint under the Negotiable Instruments Act would not grant a right to a complainant to seek interim compensation.

About Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881:

  • It was enacted to provide a uniform legal framework for the use of negotiable instruments in India.
    • A negotiable instrument is a piece of paper that guarantees the payment of a certain sum of money, either immediately upon demand or at any predetermined period, and whose payer is typically identified.
    • It is a document that is envisioned by or made up of a contract that guarantees the unconditional payment of money and may be paid now or at a later time. 
  • Section 13 of the Act states that, “A negotiable instrument means a promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque payable either to order or to bearer”.
    • However, no section of this act affects the usage of paper currency, which is governed by the Indian Paper Currency Act of 1871.
  • The Act has been amended several times to ensure that it is in line with changing business practices and legal requirements.
    • It was amended in 1988 and now includes cheque defaulters as well. A person who issues cheques without sufficient balance in their account is considered a ‘defaulter’ and the act of ‘cheque bounce’ is a criminal offence.
    • The 2015 amendment allows filing cheque bounce cases in a court at a place where the cheque was presented for clearance and not the place of issue.
  • Promissory Notes:
    • It is a written promise to pay a specific amount of money to the person named in the document.’
    • It can be transferred by endorsement and delivery.
    • In the case of State Bank of India vs. Gangadhar Ramchandra Panse, the court held that a promissory note must contain an unconditional promise to pay a specific amount of money. If the promise is conditional, the document will not be considered a promissory note.
  • Bills of Exchange:
    • It is a written order by the maker to the payee to pay a certain amount of money to a third party.
    • The person who issues the bill is called the ‘drawer,’ and the person to whom the payment is to be made is called the ‘drawee.’ The person in whose favor the payment is to be made is called the ‘payee.’
    • It can be transferred by endorsement and delivery. In the case of Bank of India vs. O.P. Swarnakar, the court held that a bill of exchange is a negotiable instrument that can be transferred by endorsement and delivery. The transfer of a bill of exchange is valid even if the transferor does not own the instrument at the time of transfer.
  • Cheques:
    • A cheque is a written order by the drawer to the bank to pay a certain amount of money to the payee. The bank is required to pay the amount mentioned in the cheque to the payee or their authorized representative.
    • It can be transferred by endorsement and delivery.
    • In the case of Canara Bank vs. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd, the court held that a cheque must be drawn on a specified bank and must not be expressed to be payable otherwise than on demand. The court also held that the bank is under a legal obligation to pay the cheque amount to the payee or their authorized representative, even if the drawer has insufficient funds in their account.

Agreement on Pre-notification of the ‘Flight Testing of Ballistic Missiles’

Pakistan recently urged India to comply with the timeline stipulated in the Agreement on pre-notification of flight testing of ballistic missiles as it took note of the first flight test of India’s indigenously developed Agni-5 missile.

About Agreement on Pre-notification of the ‘Flight Testing of Ballistic Missiles’:

  • It was signed between India and Pakistan on October 3, 2005. According to the pact, both countries are supposed to send each other an ‘advance notification’ of the flight test that they intend to undertake of any land or sea- launched, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.
  • The notification should be “no less than three days in advance of the commencement of a five-day launch window within which it intends to undertake flight tests of any land or sea-launched, surface-to-surface ballistic missile”.
  • Each country also has to ensure that the test launch sites don’t fall within 40 km and the impact area isn’t within 75 km of the International Boundary or the Line of Control along the side of the country undertaking the test.
  • Each party shall also further ensure that the planned trajectory of the ballistic missile being flight tested shall not cross the International Boundary or the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, and further, it shall maintain a horizontal distance of at least 40 km from the International Boundary and the Line of Control.
  • The parties shall treat the bilateral pre-Notification exchanged under this agreement as confidential, unless otherwise agreed upon. The notification shall be conveyed through the respective Foreign Offices and the High Commissions, as per the format annexed to the agreement.
  • The agreement states that pre-notification applies only to tests conducted with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles launched from land or sea. The agreement does not apply to cruise missiles. It also does not apply to surface-to-air missiles.
  • A party may withdraw from this agreement by giving six months written notice to the other, indicating its intention to abrogate the agreement.

Gulf of Carpentaria

A new tropical cyclone warning has been recently issued for the Gulf of Carpentaria.

About Gulf of Carpentaria:

  • It is a shallow rectangular sea on the northern coast of Australia and an inlet of the eastern Arafura Sea (a Pacific Ocean Sea separating New Guinea and Australia).
  • The gulf covers a continental shelf common to both New Guinea and Australia. A ridge extends across Torres Strait, separating the floor of the gulf from the Coral Sea to the east. 
  • It is a rare modern example of an epicontinental sea(a shallow sea on top of a continent), a feature much more common at earlier times in the Earth’s geologic history.
  • At least 20 rivers empty into the gulf, including the Roper, Wilton, Walker, Calvert, Flinders, McArthur, and Norman Rivers.
  • There are several islands in the gulf, with Groote Eylandt, being the largest. The gulf also contains fringing reefs and coral colonies. 
  • It gained international recognition in the 20th and 21st centuries following the discovery and exploitation of several mineral resources, including manganese and bauxite.

Noctis Volcano

Scientists recently discovered a massive volcano on Mars, temporarily designated ‘Noctis volcano’, with the possible remains of a relict glacier at its base.

About Noctis Volcano:

  • It is a newly-discovered volcano located just south of Mars’ equator, in Eastern Noctis Labyrinthus, west of Valles Marineris, the planet’s vast canyon system.
  • The volcano sits on the eastern edge of a broad regional topographic rise called Tharsis, home to three other well-known giant volcanoes: Ascraeus Mons, Pavonis Mons, and Arsia Mons.
  • The central summit area is marked by several elevated mesas forming an arc, reaching a regional high and sloping downhill away from the summit area.
  • The caldera remnant–the remains of a collapsed volcanic crater once host to a lava lake–can be seen near the centre of the structure. 
  • Lava flows, pyroclastic deposits (made of volcanic particulate materials such as ash, cinders, pumice and tephra), and hydrated mineral deposits occur in several areas within the structure’s perimeter.
  • It was active for a very long time on the Red Planet, and in its southeastern part lies a thin, recent volcanic deposit beneath which glacier ice is likely still present.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy

India unveiled a new electric vehicle policy that would provide foreign EV makers with incentives to enter India’s electric car market.

  • Administered by – Ministry of heavy industries (MHI).
  • Features – Government will lower import taxes on certain electric vehicles for companies that commit minimum investment of Rs 4150 crore ($500 million).
  • There is no upper threshold for investments from EV manufacturers.
  • Time Line – For vehicles with a minimum CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of $35,000, a 15% customs duty will be levied for a duration of 5 years.
  • This is subject to the manufacturer setting up manufacturing facilities in India within a 3-year period.
  • Additionally, a maximum of 40,000 EVs, at a rate not exceeding 8,000 per year, will be allowed if the investment surpasses $800 million.
  • DVA – They must achieve a domestic value addition (DVA) of at least 50% within five years.
    • Domestic Value Addition (DVA) refers to the percentage of localized components used in manufacturing.
  • A localization level of 25% by the 3rd year and 50% by the 5th year is mandated.
  • In case of non-achievement of DVA and minimum investment criteria defined under the scheme guidelines, the bank guarantee will be invoked.

India imposes import taxes ranging from 70% to 100% on imported cars, depending on their value.

  • Back up – The scheme requires companies to back their investment commitments with a bank guarantee, which will be enforced in case of non-compliance with DVA and minimum investment criteria.
  • OEMs – The scheme will not be applicable to existing Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or European OEMs, unless they make a fresh investment of at least $500 million in the next three years.
  • Detailed guidelines for the scheme are yet to be released.
  • The company applying to be eligible under the scheme will also have to meet a minimum global turnover requirement.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
  • Power Source – Solely powered by electricity from battery.
  • Energy Source – Electricity stored in batteries.
  • Key features
    • Fuel Efficiency – Driven for longer distances on single charge.
    • Emissions – Produce zero tailpipe emissions and are considered one of the cleanest forms of transportation.
    • Recharge – Must be plugged in for recharging.
    • Maintenance – Have fewer moving parts and generally require less maintenance.
    • Cost – It is decreasing as technology improves and production increases.

Ratan Tata Awarded PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for Philanthropy Work

Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, has been bestowed with the prestigious PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award. He received the award for his outstanding philanthropic contributions. The award ceremony took place in Mumbai on March 15, 2024.

Recognition for Philanthropy

  • Ratan Tata has been recognized for his remarkable and relentless efforts in the field of philanthropy.
  • His contributions have positively impacted numerous communities across the country.

About the Award

  • The PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award is named after the former Prime Minister of India.
  • It is an award of recognition for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to social welfare and humanitarian causes.

Tata’s Philanthropic Work

  • Ratan Tata has donated more than half of his income to charity, both at an individual level and through Tata Trusts.
  • His philanthropic initiatives have spanned a wide range of areas, including healthcare, education, rural development, and environmental sustainability.
  • Tata’s philanthropic endeavors have earned him widespread admiration and respect both nationally and internationally.

Other Honors and Awards

  • Ratan Tata has also received two of the highest civilian awards of India: 
    • Padma Vibhushan (2008)
    • Padma Bhushan (2000)
  • These awards recognize his immeasurable contributions towards nation-building.

Bharat Ratna for PV Narasimha Rao

  • On February 9, 2024, the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, was posthumously conferred upon former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.

The PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award recognizes Ratan Tata’s dedication to philanthropic causes and his efforts to create a positive impact on society through his charitable initiatives.

Other Important Topics
JanSamarth Portal
Department of Fisheries recently inaugurates the integration of the Kisan Credit Card Fisheries scheme onto the JanSamarth Portal.

  • Jan Samarth is a unique digital portal linking 15 credit linked government schemes with 7 loan categories on a single platform
  • It aims to ease of access to all the beneficiaries and related stakeholders.
SIMA (Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent)
  • Google DeepMind recently revealed its latest AI gaming agent Scalable Instructable Multiworld Agent (SIMA) to perform tasks across video game environments.
Gulf of Tonkin
  • The Gulf of Tonkin is a crescent-shaped body of water in the northwestern part of the South China Sea.
  • The gulf is bordered by Vietnam in the west and northwest and by China in the north and Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island in the east.
  • Many rivers empty into the Gulf of Tonkin, with the Red River (Yuan River in Chinese) supplying the major riverine discharge.
  • Hainan Strait separates the principal shipping route between Hainan Island and China’s Leizhou Peninsula.
Nausena Bhawan
  • Nausena Bhawan, the headquarters of Indian Navy, located at Delhi Cantonment was formally inaugurated by Union Defence Minister.
Fair share for health and care
  • Fair share for health and care is a new report by the World Health Organization, addressed the gender gap in global healthcare.

Findings

  • Women comprises 67% of the global health and social care workforce but facing an average pay gap of 24% compared to men.
  • Globally, 90% of women’s earnings were directed towards their families’ well-being, compared to only 30–40% of men’s earnings.
  • Women made up 25% to 60% of doctors, but between 30% and 100% of nursing staff across 35 countries.
  • Unpaid health work adds value to health contributions, and 76% of unpaid care activities are performed by women.
  • In India, women spent around 73% of their total daily working time on unpaid work, compared to men who spent around only 11% of their daily working time on unpaid work.
AVGC-XR policy
Kerala’s cabinet has approved a new Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sector policy.

  • The policy aims at driving the inception and expansion of 250 such companies and creation of 50,000 new jobs in the sector by 2029.
  • Through this, the State also expects to account for 10% of India’s export revenues in the AVGC-XR industry.
Bannerghatta Biological Park
The water crisis in Bengaluru is unlikely to have an impact on the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), which is located in the outskirts of the city.

  • Bannerghatta Biological Park is a sanctuary located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • It is established in 1971 and declared as a biological reserve in 2002.
  • It is the 1st  biological park in India to have a fenced forested elephant sanctuary.
  • In 2006, India’s first butterfly enclosure was inaugurated at the park.
  • The Suvarnamukhi stream runs through the national park.
Mathikettan Shola National Park
  • Mathikettan Shola National Park is a national park in Kerala established in 2003.
  • It shares an interstate boundary with Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • It is originally a part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR), serve as perennial water sources for several tributaries of the Panniyar river.
  • Mathikettan Shola National Park is known for its pristine shola forests, unique montane evergreen forests found in the Western Ghats.
Bharat Pashudhan
  • Bharat Pashudhan is a digital database for livestock animals in India, part of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure.
  • The app allows users to register the births and deaths of animals, and to create animal identification using the unique ID number or Pashu Aadhaar.
  • Pashupalak App empowers the farmers to be able to access all free and paid livestock related schemes/services.

 



Editorials & Articles – 16 March 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 16 March 2024

Looking to the future on St. Patrick’s Day

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Ireland-India relations’ 75th anniversary, global challenges, and youth engagement have UPSC relevance for diplomacy and international affairs.
Context
● The article highlights the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Ireland and India.

●  It emphasizes India and Ireland’s historical connection, mutual support on global issues, youth engagement, economic partnerships, and shared commitment to fostering enduring international collaborations.

 Celebrating 75 Years of Partnership

  • This year’s St. Patrick’s Day marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and India.
  • Both countries share a history of fighting for independence from colonial rule.
  • Their bond has grown stronger over the years through trade, education, and cultural connections.

Acknowledging Global Challenges

  • The global climate of conflict creates a somber backdrop for celebrations.
  • Ireland condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supports Ukraine’s EU membership.
  • Ireland denounce Hamas’s attack on Israel and advocate for hostage release in Gaza.
  • Ireland prioritizes upholding international law, humanitarian aid, and civilian protection in conflicts.
  • Their own struggles with famine, poverty, and conflict shape their perspective.

Looking to the Future: The Importance of Young People

  • Ireland’s young people are leading the fight against climate change and for clean energy solutions.
  • They advocate for international law, strong institutions, and a rules-based global order.
  • Ireland champions these issues during its UN Security Council term alongside India.

Ireland: A Hub for Talent and Investment

  • Top global companies are attracted to Ireland’s economic stability and EU market access.
  • A highly skilled and young workforce fuels Ireland’s success.
  • World-class universities attract international students, including nearly 10,000 from India each year.

Ireland’s Global Role and the Indian Connection

  • Ranking high in the UN’s Human Development Index, Ireland feels a responsibility to promote peace and equality.
  • Over 80,000 Indians contribute significantly to Irish society across various sectors.
  • This strong youth connection strengthens the India-Ireland partnership.

Building Enduring Partnerships

  • An Irish proverb emphasizes the importance of collaboration: “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireannn na Daoine” (We live in each other’s shadow).
  • Supporting each other and fostering partnerships are crucial for the future.
  • This is the core message of Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration in 2024.
India – Ireland Relations
Prospects:

● Economic Cooperation: India and Ireland can explore opportunities for bilateral trade and investment, particularly in technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sectors.

● Educational Exchange: Enhanced collaboration in education through student exchange programs and joint research initiatives can strengthen ties.

● Cultural Ties: Promotion of cultural exchanges, including festivals, arts, and literature, can foster mutual understanding and appreciation.

●Diaspora Engagement: Leveraging the sizable Indian diaspora in Ireland and Irish diaspora in India for deeper people-to-people connections.

● Strategic Partnerships: Potential for cooperation in areas of cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and climate change due to shared interests and challenges.

Challenges:

●Geographic Distance: Physical distance poses a challenge for regular high-level engagements and trade activities.

●Limited Awareness: Both countries need to raise awareness about each other’s economic potential and cultural richness among their respective populations.

● Regulatory Barriers: Differences in regulatory frameworks may hinder seamless trade and investment flows.

●Competing Priorities: Both countries have diverse international engagements, which might divert attention and resources from bilateral relations.

● Historical Context: Historical issues or perceptions could occasionally create tensions and hamper progress.

Way Forward:

● Enhanced Diplomatic Outreach: Regular diplomatic dialogues and visits can facilitate deeper understanding and trust between the two nations.

● Trade Facilitation: Streamlining trade processes and reducing tariffs can boost bilateral trade and investment.

●  Educational and Cultural Exchanges: Strengthening existing programs and introducing new initiatives for educational and cultural exchanges.

● Technology Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, can yield mutual benefits.

●People-to-People Contacts: Encouraging tourism, student exchanges, and business delegations to promote greater interaction at various levels.

Overall, by addressing challenges through concerted efforts and capitalizing on shared interests, India and Ireland can forge a stronger and more fruitful partnership in the coming years.

A penal code for AI

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Important aspects of governance: E-governance – applications, models, successes, limitations and potential;

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of knowing facts about the AI Act which represents a landmark regulatory framework for governing artificial intelligence within the European Union. Understanding its provisions and implications can provide insights into emerging regulatory trends in technology governance.
Context:
  • The European Parliament recently passed the groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act, 2024), marking the first comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI).
  • This law not only governs AI within the European Union (EU) but also sets a global precedent for engaging with AI technologies.
  • The AI Act is notable for its recognition of the varying levels of AI intelligence and potential harms associated with AI systems.
  • Through a detailed analysis, this article will explore the key provisions and implications of the AI Act, shedding light on its significance and potential impact.

The New Regulatory Framework:

  • The AI Act aims to establish a uniform legal framework for the development, deployment, and use of AI systems within the EU.
  • It emphasizes adherence to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and other relevant European laws.
  • Notably, the law applies to AI providers offering services within the EU, regardless of their location.
  • Central to the AI Act is its definition of AI systems, which highlights their autonomy, adaptiveness, and ability to generate outputs based on input.

Prohibited AI Practices:

  • Article 5 of the AI Act prohibits certain AI practices deemed harmful.
  • These include deploying subliminal or manipulative techniques that distort decision-making processes, thus causing significant harm to individuals or groups.
  • This provision addresses contemporary concerns such as fake news propagation and algorithmic manipulation through social media platforms.

Classification of AI Systems:

  • The AI Act categorizes AI systems based on their potential for harm, distinguishing between harmful, high-risk, and low-risk AI systems.
  • Harmful AI practices, such as subliminal manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable groups, are explicitly banned.
  • High-risk AI systems, which pose safety risks or threaten fundamental rights, are subject to stringent regulations, including risk management and human oversight requirements.
  • In contrast, low-risk AI systems, such as chatbots and emotion recognition systems, face minimal regulatory obligations.

Enforcement and Governance:

  • The implementation of the AI Act involves the establishment of a European Artificial Intelligence Board and national supervisory authorities within each EU member state.
  • These bodies will oversee the application and enforcement of the law, imposing fines of up to 6% of the offender’s total worldwide annual turnover for non-compliance.
  • The phased implementation of the law allows AI developers and providers time to adapt to the regulatory requirements.

Global Implications and Commercial Potential:

  • The AI Act not only impacts AI development and use within the EU but also sets a precedent for global AI regulation.
  • Considering the significant commercial potential of AI, with projections reaching trillions of dollars in investment, regulatory frameworks like the AI Act are crucial for managing the commerce, benefits, and potential harms associated with AI technologies.
  • As AI continues to influence various aspects of human life, laws and regulations must evolve to address its multifaceted implications comprehensively.

Conclusion:

  • The article of the AI Act represents a significant milestone in AI regulation, setting a precedent for global governance of AI technologies.
  • By recognizing the varying levels of AI intelligence and potential harms, the AI Act aims to promote responsible AI development and use while safeguarding fundamental rights and values.
  • As AI continues to evolve and expand its influence, regulatory frameworks like the AI Act will play a vital role in shaping the ethical and legal landscape of AI technologies.
What is India’s Strategy Regarding AI Regulation?
Stance:

  • India is yet to have a comprehensive framework for regulating AI. However, India has shifted from a stance of not considering AI regulation to actively formulating regulations based on a risk-based, user-harm approach.
  • Advocacy for Inclusive and Responsible AI:
  • India’s initial national AI strategy, #AIFORALL, aimed at inclusivity, debuted in 2018.
  • NITI Aayog’s National Strategy for AI (2018) included a chapter on responsible AI.
  • In 2021, NITI Aayog issued a paper, ‘Principle of Responsible AI’. Seven broad principles were enumerated in the paper: equality, safety and reliability, inclusivity and non-discrimination, transparency, accountability, privacy and reinforcement of positive human value
  • In March 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology introduced IndiaAI, the national program on AI, aimed at serving as a comprehensive initiative to cover all AI-related research and innovations.
  • In July, 2023 Telecom Regulatory Authority of India issued a paper, that recommended setting up a domestic statutory authority to regulate AI through the lens of a “risk-based framework” and constitution of an advisory body with members from multiple government departments, academia and experts.
  • Major Sector-specific AI Frameworks in India:
  • Healthcare Sector:
  • Indian Council of Medical Research issued ethical guidelines for AI in biomedical research and healthcare in June 2023.
  • Capital Market:
  • SEBI issued a circular in January 2019 to guide policies and create an inventory for AI systems in the capital market.
  • Education Sector:
  • National Education Policy 2020 recommends AI awareness integration in school courses.
PYQ: With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

1) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units

2) Create meaningful short stories and songs

3) Disease diagnosis

4) Text-to-Speech Conversion

5) Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (b)
Act of inclusion, not exclusion
Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation.

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding the CAA and its implications which involves an analysis of government policies and their socio-political ramifications.
Context:
  • The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by the Indian Parliament in December 2019 has sparked debates regarding its secular nature and its basis for determining refugee status.
  • As the government gazettes the rules for implementing the CAA, discussions have resurfaced concerning its impact on religious minorities seeking refuge.
  • This analysis delves into the key arguments surrounding the CAA, addressing its purported anti-Muslim bias and its historical context in addressing refugee influxes.

Religious Criterion in Refugee Status:

  • Globally, religion often serves as a crucial factor in determining refugee status, alongside other grounds such as race, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion.
  • The criticism against the CAA, alleging its religious bias, fails to acknowledge the international precedent of considering religion as a criterion for persecution and refugee protection.

Misconceptions about Exclusion of Muslims:

  • Critics argue that the exclusion of Muslims from the list of persecuted minorities under the CAA is discriminatory.
  • However, the Act focuses on providing relief to persecuted minorities from neighboring Islamic countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
  • Muslims in these countries, being the majority, are not targeted based on religion but may face persecution for other reasons, making them eligible for refuge under different laws.

Historical Context of Refugee Influxes:

  • India has witnessed several waves of refugee influxes, primarily from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, due to political turmoil and communal violence.
  • The CAA aims to address the challenges posed by these influxes by providing expedited citizenship to persecuted minorities, particularly Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians, who have sought refuge in India.

Limited Mandate of the CAA:

  • The CAA is an amendment to the Citizenship Act of 1955 and does not alter its non-discriminatory nature.
  • It fast-tracks the citizenship process for persecuted minorities, reducing the residency requirement from 12 years to five years.
  • Contrary to misinformation, the CAA does not threaten the citizenship of Indian Muslims and does not provide an open-ended invitation to minorities from neighboring countries.

Implementation Challenges and Relaxation of Rules:

  • The framing of rules for implementing the CAA took over four years, facing delays due to various factors, including public movements and the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Concerns regarding the documentation required for proving persecution were addressed by relaxing the evidentiary requirements, focusing instead on verifying citizenship of the applicant’s country of origin.
  • Similarly, rules pertaining to proof of residency in India have been eased, allowing for a broader range of acceptable documents.

Conclusion:

  • The gazetting of rules for implementing the CAA marks a significant step towards fulfilling a longstanding promise made by the Indian government.
  • Despite criticisms and challenges, the CAA aims to provide relief to persecuted minorities while upholding the principles of secularism and non-discrimination.
  • Effective implementation of the CAA will require collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and concerned citizens to ensure that eligible refugees can avail themselves of the benefits provided by the Act.
What are the Concerns Related to the CAA, 2019?
  • Constitutional Challenge: Critics argue that it violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality before the law and prohibits discrimination based on religion.
  • The CAA’s provision of granting citizenship based on religion is seen as discriminatory.
  • Potential for Disenfranchisement: The CAA is often linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a proposed nationwide exercise to identify illegal immigrants.
  • Critics fear that a combination of CAA and a faulty NRC could disenfranchise several citizens who are unable to prove their documentation.
  • More than 19.06 lakh people were left out of the final draft of the Assam NRC released in August 2019.
  • Impact on Assam Accord: In Assam, there is a specific concern regarding the compatibility of the CAA with the Assam Accord, 1985.
  • The Accord established criteria for determining citizenship in Assam, including specific cut-off dates for residency.
  • The CAA’s provision of a different timeline for granting citizenship could conflict with the provisions of the Assam Accord, leading to legal and political complications.
  • Secularism and Social Cohesion: The CAA’s focus on religion as a criterion for citizenship eligibility has raised broader concerns about its impact on secularism and social cohesion in India.
  • Critics argue that privileging certain religious communities over others undermines the secular principles upon which the Indian state was founded and could exacerbate communal tensions.
  • Exclusion of few Religious Communities: The exclusion of certain religious communities from the CAA and its subsequent rules, such as Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetan Buddhists, who faced religious persecution in their home countries, raises concerns.
Atmospheric Research Testbed

Why in news?

  • Recently, the first phase of India’s Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) was inaugurated at Silkheda in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the facility will house 25 high-end meteorological instruments for studying vital cloud processes associated with the monsoons over central India’s Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ).

What’s in today’s article?

  • Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)
  • Why is it important to have data about monsoons over central India?

Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)

  • About
    • The ART is an open-field, focused observational and analytical research programme. It will also be used for calibrating and validating various satellite-based observations, part of weather predictions and forecasting.
  • Functions
    • The facility will:
      • observe weather conditions on the ground, such as temperature and wind speeds, and
      • study weather systems like low-pressure areas and depressions that develop in the Bay of Bengal during the southwest monsoon season from June to September.
    • Studying these systems and their associated cloud parameters will be used to generate high volumes of data over a long period.
    • It can then be compared with the existing weather models so that improvements can be made to obtain accurate rainfall predictions.
  • Institutions involved
    • It has been developed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences for Rs 125 crore.
    • The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, is in charge of the operations.
  • Different phases
    • Under the first phase, remote sensing-based and in-situ measurements using 25 meteorological instruments have commenced.
    • In the second phase, ART will deploy instruments such as a radar wind profiler and balloon-bound radiosonde, and soil moisture and temperature measuring equipment.
  • Location at Madhya Pradesh
    • This location falls directly in line with the path of major rain-bearing synoptic systems. This will facilitate direct monitoring and tracking.
      • Synoptic systems are weather systems that span a few hundred to several thousand kilometers.
      • These systems are characterized by features such as low-pressure areas, high-pressure areas, fronts (boundary between air masses), and associated weather phenomena like precipitation and winds.
    • Besides, the locality is pristine and free of anthropogenic and other pollutants, making it the best site in central India for setting up sensitive, high-end meteorological instruments and observatories for recording data.
  • Significance of ART
    • At present, 45% of India’s labour force is employed in the agriculture sector.
    • Much of Indian agriculture is rain-fed, as is cultivation along the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), which spans the central India region from Gujarat to West Bengal.
      • MCZ is a region in India that stretches from Gujarat to West Bengal, where cropping is mostly rainfed.
      • It is located within the monsoon trough area characterized by significant rainfall, intense convective activity, and atmospheric interactions that influence the Indian monsoon system.
    • The southwest monsoon season accounts for 70 per cent of the country’s annual average rainfall (880mm).
    • Throughout India, the majority of Kharif cultivation is undertaken between July and August.
    • During this four-month-long season, several rain-bearing synoptic systems, namely the low pressures or depressions, develop in the Bay of Bengal.
    • Inherently, these systems move westwards/northwestwards over to the Indian mainland and pass through the MCZ, causing bountiful rainfall.

Why is it important to have data about monsoons over central India?

  • Correlation between all-India rainfall performance to the rainfall received over the central India region
    • India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues rainfall forecasts for the country’s four homogeneous regions – north, west, east and south peninsular India.
    • In addition, it issues a special rainfall forecast for the MCZ, which is considered India’s food bowl.
  • Little understanding about the role of these synoptic systems
    • There is still limited understanding about the role of these synoptic systems, their associated cloud physics, cloud properties and their overall role in enhancing the monsoon rainfall.
    • Central India, therefore, acts as a natural laboratory for scientists and meteorologists to perform a hands-on study of the Indian monsoons.
    • They can record data and make observations about the allied systems, clouds, and other associated physical and atmospheric parameters.
  • Erratic climate change in the tropical regions, like India
    • This has strengthened the low-pressure systems, which are aided by high temperatures. It results in very heavy rainfall recorded along their trajectory during the monsoons.
Anti-CAA protests in Assam and Tripura

Why in news?

  • After the recent announcement of rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA, there are loud voices of dissent against it, but this time only in Assam and Tripura (The passage of CAA had caused unrest in the Northeast in 2019). The reason is that most parts of the Northeast, except for large areas of Assam and Tripura, have been excluded from the CAA.
  • However, the Act specifies that these provisions do not apply to: the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the areas covered under ‘The Inner Line’ notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Inner Line system
  • Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
  • ILP, Sixth schedule and CAA
  • Why are Assam, Tripura against CAA?

Inner Line system

  • About
    • An Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime is operational in the four Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.
    • ILP is a special permit that residents of other parts of India need to apply for and receive, in order to enter and spend any duration of time in these states.
  • Background
    • The British introduced the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 for tribal hill areas, aiming to protect the indigenous population by preventing the settlement of other Indian nationals.
    • This system continued after Independence and was implemented in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
    • Manipur was included in January 2020 due to protests following the enactment of the CAA.

Sixth Schedule

  • About
    • Sixth Schedule gives tribal communities of NE states considerable autonomy within a larger administrative or political structure.
      • It was adopted under Article 244 (2) of the Constitution.
    • This schedule deals with the provisions for formation of autonomous administrative divisions within a state.
  • Current status
    • Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution provides a list of ten tribal areas in Assam (3), Meghalaya (3), Tripura (1) and Mizoram (3).
    • Each of these tribal areas constitutes an autonomous district. Each autonomous district has an Autonomous District Council (ADC).
  • Inclusion under sixth schedule
    • Inclusion under this Schedule allows a region to create Autonomous District and Regional Councils (ADCs and ARCs) — elected bodies with the power to administrate tribal areas.
    • This would include the power to make laws on subjects such as forest management, agriculture, administration of villages and towns, inheritance, marriage, divorce and social customs.
    • The ADCs and ARCs may also:
      • constitute village councils or courts to decide disputes between parties from Scheduled Tribes, and
      • appoint officers to oversee the administration of the laws they enact.
    • In cases where the offences are punishable with death or more than five years of imprisonment, the Governor of the state can confer upon the ADCs and ARCs the power to try them under the country’s criminal and civil laws.
    • The Schedule also gives ARCs and ADCs the power to
      • collect land revenue, impose taxes, regulate money lending & trading,
      • collect royalties from licences or leases for the extraction of minerals in their areas, and
      • Establish public facilities such as schools, markets, and roads.

ILP, Sixth schedule and CAA

  • Of the seven sisters in the Northeast, Mizoram is already outside the CAA ambit as the ILP is operational there.
  • All of Meghalaya, barring a small part around Shillong, comes under three different ADCs — one each for the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia hills.
    • Despite most of Meghalaya coming under the Sixth Schedule, there is still some discontent among groups. These groups are against the implementation of the CAA in areas not under the Sixth Schedule.
    • Already, the Meghalaya government is pushing for the implementation of an ILP regime across the state, which would make the CAA redundant.
  • Assam has three ADCs under the Sixth Schedule:
    • Bodoland Territorial Council that covers five districts;
    • North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council that covers one district; and
    • Karbi-Anglong Autonomous District Council that covers two districts.
  • Similarly, Tripura has the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.

Why are Assam, Tripura against CAA?

  • Boundary with the Bangladesh and most of the region does not come under either the Sixth Schedule or the ILP regime
    • Assam shares a 263-km border with Bangladesh while Tripura has a 856-km border with Bangladesh.
    • Most of the Assam and Tripura do not come under either the Sixth Schedule or the ILP regime.
    • And that is why there’s unrest in these areas against the CAA.
  • Strong anti-immigrant sentiment
    • Both states have strong anti-immigrant feelings because they share long, open borders with Bangladesh.
    • Also, they have experienced a continuous flow of refugees from the neighbouring country since the days of East Pakistan.
    • There are no official records of these migrations, whether large-scale ones during significant events like India’s Independence and Partition in 1947 or the creation of Bangladesh in 1971, nor of the ongoing smaller movements.
    • While some of these migrants are Muslim, most are believed to be Bengali-speaking Hindus.
  • Worried over rising number of Bengali speakers
    • CAA does not include Muslim refugees or migrants, focusing instead on legitimizing Hindu refugees.
    • This has angered Assamese ethno-nationalists and Tripuri tribals who are worried about the growing number of Bengali speakers.
  • Separating CAA from NRC Raises Concerns
    • The government is now saying that the CAA will not be connected to the National Register of Citizens (NRC)— to weed out illegal immigrants, which was originally conceived for, and only implemented in Assam, but remains stalled.
    • This change worries many in Assam because they feel the CAA undermines their main beliefs and political platform. Tripura faces similar concerns.
Central Govt. Approves New EV Policy with Tax Relief

The Central Government has announced a new electric vehicle (EV) policy that will be coming with tax relief.This is expected to provide a major boost to companies like Tesla, Vinfast that have plans to start operations in India.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • About Electric Vehicles (Need for EVs in India, EV sales, FAME Scheme, etc.)
  • Key Initiatives Taken by the Govt.
  • News Summary

Background:

  • India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in November 2021.
  • This will require clear pathways to decarbonize high greenhouse gas (GHG) intensive sectors such as transport and energy.
  • To decarbonize transport, the transition to clean mobility, led by electric vehicles (EVs), is paramount.
  • India is on the cusp of an e-mobility revolution led by the two-wheeler (2W) and three-wheeler (3W) vehicle segments.
  • 2Ws account for 70-80% of all private vehicles, and 3Ws play a critical role for public transit, freight transport and last mile connectivity in cities.

EVs in India:

  • Electric vehicle sales in India jumped 49.25 per cent year-on-year to more than15 lakh units in 2023, according to a data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA).
    • The EV industry had recorded a total sale of around 10 lakh units in 2022, as per the data.
  • The surge in sales can be attributed to increase in the availability of products in the market, high fuel prices, state subsidies and sops offered under the FAME-II Initiative.

About FAME-II Scheme:

  • Launched in 2015, the Fame India scheme is an incentive scheme that encourages the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.
  • The full form of FAME India scheme is “Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India”.
  • In 2019, the Central government approved Phase-II of FAME Scheme with an outlay of 10,000 Crore for a period of 3 years.
    • Earlier this year, it was extended to March 31, 2024.
  • Phase-II aims to generate demand by way of supporting 7000 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55,000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars (including Strong Hybrid) and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers.
  • Nearly 2 lakh vehicles have been supported under the FAME-II scheme.

Other Measures taken by the Government to promote use of EVs:

  • Battery Swapping Policy:
    • Battery swapping is an alternative which involves exchanging discharged batteries for charged ones and provides flexibility to charge them separately.
    • This de-links charging and battery usage and keeps the vehicle in operational mode with negligible downtime.
    • NITI Aayog, recently, released a draft battery swapping policy under which all metropolitan cities with a population above 40 lakh will be prioritised for development of battery swapping network under the first phase.
    • Battery swapping is an alternative which involves exchanging discharged batteries for charged ones and provides flexibility to charge them separately.
    • This de-links charging and battery usage and keeps the vehicle in operational mode with negligible downtime.
  • Switching to an EV:
    • Central/State governments provide an upfront subsidy that reduces the overall costs of electric vehicles.
  • E-AMRIT Portal:
    • The e-AMRIT portal offers various resources to help ease the migration to electric vehicles.

New EV Policy with Tax Relief

  • The Government of India has approved a scheme to promote India as a manufacturing destination so that e-vehicles with the latest technology can be manufactured in the country.
  • The policy is designed to attract investments in the e-vehicle space by reputed global EV manufacturers.
  • This will provide Indian consumers with access to latest technology, boost the Make in India initiative, strengthen the EV ecosystem by promoting healthy competition among EV players.
  • It will also lead to high volume of production, economies of scale, lower cost of production, reduce imports of crude Oil, lower trade deficit, reduce air pollution, particularly in cities, and will have a positive impact on health and environment.

Key Features of the Policy:

  • Minimum Investment required: Rs 4,150 Cr;
  • No limit on maximum Investment;
  • Timeline for manufacturing:
    • 3 years for setting up manufacturing facilities in India, and to start commercial production of e-vehicles, and reach 50% domestic value addition (DVA) within 5 years at the maximum.
  • Domestic value addition (DVA) during manufacturing:
    • A localization level of 25% by the 3rd year and 50% by the 5th year will have to be achieved.
  • The customs duty of 15% (as applicable to CKD units) would be applicable for a period of 5 years
  • Not more than 8,000 EVs per year would be permissible for import under this scheme. The carryover of unutilized annual import limits would be permitted.
  • The Investment commitment made by the company will have to be backed up by a bank guarantee in lieu of the custom duty forgone.
 


Current Affairs – 15 March 2024

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Current Affairs – 15 March 2024

Human Development Index

India has moved up a rank on the global Human Development Index (HDI), according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report ‘Breaking the gridlock: Reimagining cooperation in a polarised world’.

About Human Development Index:

  • It is a summary composite measure of a country’s average achievements in three basic aspects of human development: health, knowledge and standard of living.
  • It is a measure of a country’s average achievements in three dimensions of human development:
    • a long and healthy life, as measured by life expectancy at birth;
    • knowledge, as measured by mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling; and
    • a decent standard of living, as measured by GNI per capita in PPP terms in US$.
  • This is expressed as a value between 0 and 1. The higher a country’s human development, the higher its HDI value. The HDI is the geometric mean of normalized indices for each of the three dimensions.
  • The HDI also embodies Amartya Sen’s “capabilities” approach to understand human well-being, which emphasizes the importance of ends (like a decent standard of living) over means (like income per capita).
  • Since 1990, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been publishing the Human Development Report every year.

Highlights of the recent report

  • The report stated that while India ranked 135 in 2021, it had moved up to 134 in 2022. A total of 193 countries were ranked in 2022 and 191 countries in 2021.
  • In 2022, India saw improvements across all HDI indicators – life expectancy, education and Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
  • Life expectancy rose from 67.2 to 67.7 years, expected years of schooling reached 12.6, mean years of schooling increased to 6.57 and GNI per capita saw an increase from $6,542 to $6,951.
  • While the country has moved up in 2022, it is still behind its South Asian neighbours, such as Bangladesh (129th), Bhutan (125th), Sri Lanka (78th) and China (75th).

Criminal Case Management System

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation virtually inaugurated a unique digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) and also launches a mobile app ‘Sankalan.

About Criminal Case Management System:

  • It has been developed by designed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). It will enable the NIA personnel to better coordinate in terrorism and organized crime cases, thereby improving justice delivery.
  • It is a user-friendly and easy-to-deploy, customizable, browser-based software to help the State Police forces in their investigations and prosecution.
  • It would not only bring standardisation into investigations but also enable easy and streamlined compilation of terror-related data across the country. 

What is Sankalan app?

  • It has been designed for navigating through new criminal laws as a bridge between old and new criminal laws. This app will work as a comprehensive guide for all stakeholders.
  • It will work in offline mode as well and its availability has been ensured in far-flung areas so that all stakeholders can have access to desired information around the clock.

Darien Gap

The treacherous Darien Gap route that spans parts of Central and South America has seen an increasing number of people attempting to pass on their way to claiming asylum in the US.

About Darien Gap:

  • It is a stretch of densely forested jungle across northern Colombia and southern Panama. Roughly 60 miles (97 kilometres) across, the terrain is muddy, wet and unstable.
  • It has become a major route for global human migration. It is the geographic region of the easternmost Isthmus of Panama that extends into northwestern Colombia, around the Gulf of Urabá (a section of the Gulf of Darién).
  • It forms the physiographic link between Central and South America. A hot, humid area typified by tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and low mountain ranges with cloud forest vegetation, Darién has always been sparsely populated.

Key facts about Isthmus of Panama 

  • It links Central and South America. It borders Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south.
  • This strategic position allows it to be a natural conduit for international maritime trade, especially through the well-known Panama Canal.

Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970

The Supreme Court recently observed that the workers employed to perform perennial/permanent nature of work couldn’t be treated as contract workers under the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970 to deny them the benefit of regularization of a job.

What is Contract Labour?

  • A workman is deemed to be employed as contract labour when he is hired in connection with the work of an establishment by or through a contractor. They are indirect employees.
  • Contract labour differs from direct labour in terms of the employment relationship with the establishment and method of wage payment. Contract labour, by and large, is not borne on pay roll nor is paid directly.
  • The contract workers are hired, supervised and remunerated by the contractor, who in turn, is remunerated by the establishment hiring the services of the contractor.
  • A contractor is a person who takes over the responsibility to produce a given result for the establishment, other than a supply of goods or services of manufacture to such establishment, through contract labour or the person who provides contract labour for any work of the establishment and includes a sub-contractor.

About Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970:

  • This act has been enacted to regulate the employment of contract labour in certain establishments, and to provide for its abolition in certain circumstances, and for matters connected therewith.
  • It aims to prevent the exploitation of contract labour and also introduce better conditions of work. It extends to the whole of India.
  • Applicability:
    • To any establishment in which twenty or more workmen are employed on any day of the of the accounting year as contract labour.
    • To any contractor who employs or who employs twenty or more workers on any day of the accounting year.
    • Also, it does not apply to the establishments if any work is performed in the intermittent nature.
    • It does not apply to establishments situated in the special economic zone (SEZ).
  • Salient Features of the Act:
    • Every establishment which proposes to employ contract workers for its work is required to obtain a certificate of registration from the appropriate Government.
    • Every contractor who has employed twenty or more workers on any day of the month has to obtain a license for engaging contract labour working for any establishment.
    • The granted licence will be valid for the specified period and may be renewed from time to time.
    • Payment of Wages:
      • It is the responsibility of the contractor to pay the required wages to each worker employed under contract labour before the expiry of the stipulated period.
      • If the contractor fails to make the payment within the stipulated period, then the principal employer shall be liable to make the payment of wages in full or the unpaid balance due.
      • The wages are to be fixed by the Commissioner of Labour.
    • For contravention of the provisions of the Act or any rules made thereunder, the punishment is imprisonment for a maximum term upto 3 months and a
      fine upto a maximum of Rs.1000/-.
    • The Act provides for the constitution of Central and State Advisory Boards to advise the concerned governments on matters arising out of the administration of the Act. 
    • The Central or State government after consultation with the appropriate advisory boards may prohibit the employment of contract labour in any process, operation or other work in any establishment. 

Sagar Parikrama

The Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying will release a book and video on “Sagar Parikrama”.

About Sagar Parikrama:

  • It is an outreach program intended to reach out fishermen community across the entire coastal belt of the country through a predetermined sea route.
  • The initiative has been launched to understand the issues, experiences, and aspirations of fishermen and also to create awareness of various schemes and programs of the Government available to fishermen in coastal areas.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
  • The Sagar Parikrama Yatra spanned over 12 captivating phases in just 44 days. The Yatra meticulously navigated the diverse coastal tapestry of India, covering an impressive coastal length of 7,986 Kilometres out of 8,118 Kilometres, touching 3,071 fishing villages in 80 coastal districts of all the Coastal States/UTs. 
  • During the Sagar Parikrama events, certificates and sanctions related to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) were awarded to progressive fishermen, fish farmers, and young fishery entrepreneurs.
  • Literature on various schemes, including PMMSY, KCC and others, was disseminated through print media, electronic media, videos, and digital campaigns to raise awareness among fishers.

Key Facts about India’s Fisheries Sector:

  • India has a coastline of 8,118km, covering nine maritime states and four UTs and provides livelihood support to 2.8 million coastal fishermen.
  • The country contributes 8% of the global share of fish production and is ranked third-largest fish producer in the world.
  • The total fish production of India is 162.48 lakh tonnes (2021-22), of which 121.21 lakh tonnes are from inland and 41.27 lakh tonnes from marine, with exports of over Rs 57,586 crore contributing to about 17% of agriculture exports.

Nana Jagannath Shankarseth

The Maharashtra cabinet decided to ask the Ministry of Railways to rename Mumbai Central station after Nana Jagannath Shankarseth.

About Nana Jagannath Shankarseth:

  • He was a social reformer, educationist and philanthropist is often described as the “architect” of Mumbai (then Bombay).
  • He made extremely valuable contributions in terms of both ideas and money to multiple sectors, to lay a strong foundation for the city.
  • He was greatly inspired by the legendary merchant and philanthropist Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.
  • He became the first Indian to be nominated to the Legislative Council of Bombay.

What are some of Shankarseth’s most significant contributions?

  • Education:
    • Shankarseth was deeply committed to the growth and spread of education in Bombay, and donated land owned by his family for educational institutions.
    • He founded the Native School of Bombay, which was renamed first as the Bombay Native Institution, and then as the Board of Education.
    • Finally, this institution evolved into the prestigious Elphinstone College.
  • Museum, Temples:
    • Shankarseth was among the wealthy donors who helped promote Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Byculla, which was designed by a famous London-based architect.
    • The Bhawani Shankar Temple near Nana Chowk was Shankarseth’s tribute to his late mother Bhawanibai Murkute.
  • Railways
    • The first train in India ran between Boribunder and Thane on April 16, 1853. The 34-km project undertaken by the Great Indian Peninsular Railway Company.
    • The committee that gave the project impetus included Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy and Nana Shankarseth.

World Gold Council (WGC)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) bought 8.7 tonne of gold in January, making it the largest purchase by the central bank since July 2022, according to World Gold Council data.

About World Gold Council (WGC):

  • It is the market development organisation for the gold industry. It is a nonprofit association formed in 1987 whose members comprise the world’s leading and most forward-thinking gold mining companies.
  • It was established to promote the use of and demand for gold through marketing, research, and lobbying. It is also the global authority on gold, and they offer comprehensive analyses of the industry. 
  • Headquartered in London, with operations in India, China, Singapore, and the USA, the WGC covers the markets which comprise about three-quarters of the world’s annual gold consumption.
  • It is an advocate for gold consumption. The WGC aims to maximize the industry’s potential growth by monitoring and defending existing gold consumption.
    • It achieves this by setting up gold standards, proposing policies, ensuring fairness and sustainability in the gold mining industry and promoting the usage and demand for gold for individuals, industries, and institutions.
  • It also co-sponsors research in the development of new uses for gold, or of new products containing gold. 
  • WGC was the creator of the first gold exchange-traded fund.

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity

Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry joined the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Virtual Ministerial Meeting.

About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity:

  • It is a regional arrangement to build cooperation and economic integration in the Indo-Pacific region. It was launched in May 2022.
  • It is intended to advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness and competitiveness for member economies. 
  • It will seek to complement and build on existing regional architecture and support the global rules-based trading system.
  • Member countries: It has 14 regional partners – Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
  • The economic framework broadly rests on four pillars: Trade, Supply chain resilience, Clean Energy, Decarbonization, and Infrastructure Taxes and anti-corruption measures
  • The IPEF is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), but it allows members to negotiate the parts they want to.
  • India and IPEF:
    • India has been actively participating in the IPEF, but not in all pillars.
    • India has decided to opt out of the trade pillar of the IPEF as most issues promoted by the IPEF do not align with India’s trade policies.

National Mission for Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

Prime Minister recently inaugurated the first Oil Palm Processing Mill under Mission Palm Oil in Arunachal Pradesh.

About National Mission for Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP):

  • Launched by the Government of India in August 2021, NMEO-OP targets a substantial increase in oil palm cultivation and crude palm oil production.
  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a special focus on the North east region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a focus on increasing the area and productivity of oilseeds and Oil Palm. 
  • Targets:
    • To increase the area of oil palm to 10 lakh hectares from 3.5 lakh ha during 2019-20 by 2025-26 (an additional 6.50 lakh ha). 
    • To increase the Crude Palm Oil production from 0.27 lakh tonnes during 2019-20 to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26.
    • Increase consumer awareness to maintain a consumption level of 19.00 kg/person/annum till 2025-26.
  • The State Department of Agriculture, State Department of Horticulture, Central University, ICAR-Institutions, CDDs, SAUs, KVKs, Central Agencies/Cooperatives, Oil palm processors/ Associations, DD Kisan, AIR, DD, TV channels will be the implementing stake holders of the NMEO-Oil palm.
  • Features: The salient features of NMEO-OP include assistance for planting material, inputs for intercropping upto gestation period of 4 years and for maintenance, establishment of seed gardens, nurseries, micro irrigation, bore well/pumpset/water harvesting structure, vermi compost units, solar pumps, harvesting tools, custom hiring centre cum harvester Groups, farmers and officers training, and for replanting of old oil palm gardens etc.

Oil Palm Production in India:

  • Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis), originated in West Africa is comparatively a new crop in India and has the highest vegetable oil yielding capability per ha.
  • It produces two distinct oils, i.e., palm oil and palm kernel oil, which are used for culinary as well as industrial purposes. 
  • Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala are major Oil palm-growing States and account for 98% of total production. 
  • Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Mizoram also have sizable area under Oil palm cultivation.

Other Important News
Digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS)
Union Home Minister has launched a unique Digital Criminal Case Management System (CCMS) Platform recently.

  • About – It is a browser-based software to help the State Police forces in their investigations and prosecution.
  • Designed by – National Investigation Agency (NIA).
  • Significance – Enable the NIA personnel to better co-ordinate in terrorism and organized crime cases, thereby improving justice delivery.

Sankalan App

  • About – Collection of new criminal laws by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
  • Significance – Designed for navigating through new criminal laws as a bridge between old and new criminal laws.
  • Enables the users to run the application on offline mode.
Personalities in News
Sheena Rani

  • A distinguished scientist from Hyderabad-based Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • She led a DRDO team for Mission Divyastra, India’s maiden flight test of the Agni-5 missile equipped with MIRV technology.
  • She was awarded with the prestigious “Scientist of the Year” award in 2016.

Gyanesh Kumar & Sukhbir Singh Sandhu

  • Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu were appointed as Election Commissioners (ECs).
  • Selection Committee of ECs – Prime Minister,  Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.
RBI’s Gold Imports
India has recently allowed RBI to import gold without paying import levies.

  • Generally, import of gold attracts 15% import duty, including 5% agriculture infrastructure development Cess.
  • According to the World Gold Council data, the RBI has a gold holding of 812.3 tonne in January 2024.
  • Of that, 388.06 tonnes is held overseas and 372.84 tonnes is held domestically.
  • Need-  To diversify the forex reserves and hedge against foreign currency risks

Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC)

  • It is a tax on the commercial production of agricultural goods in India.
    • A cess is a form of tax levied by the government on tax with specific purposes till the time the government gets enough money for that purpose.
  • It was announced on certain items, including petrol, diesel, gold and some imported agricultural products to boost agriculture infrastructure.
Lamphelpat Lake
Lamphelpat Lake is now undergoing a remarkable revival under Lamphelpat Waterbody Project.

  • Lamphelpat – A natural lake in Manipur located in the foothills of the Langol hill range.
  • It served as a reservoir, storing excess water of the Luwangli and Nambul rivers.
  • The lake is considered a mini Loktak lake that maintains the ecosystem of Imphal and its surrounding areas.
  • Loktak Lake –  Located in Manipur, it is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India
  • Lamphelpat Waterbody Project – Initiated by the Manipur Water Resource Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
  • It has 6 major components that includes flood control, drainage management and promotion of ecotourism.
Miassite (Rh17S15)
Scientists have recently identified the 1stunconventional superconductor, Miassite that can be found in mineral form in nature.

  • Miassite is one of only 4 minerals found in nature that act as a superconductor when grown in the lab.
  • It is an unconventional superconductor with properties similar to high-temperature superconductors.
  • Superconductivity is when a material can conduct electricity without energy loss.
  • London penetration depth test was used to identify the type of superconductivity present in miassite.
Global Connectedness Report, 2024
  • By – DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business
  • It ranked the connectedness of 181 countries, accounting for 99.7% of the world’s gross domestic product.
  • India’s Ranking – India ranks 62nd out of 181 economies, based on 2022 data tracking global flows of trade, capital, information and people.
  • Breadth of merchandise trade (reach of India’s exports and imports across global markets) – Ranks 9
  • Depth of merchandise trade (size of India’s international flows relative to its domestic activity) –  Ranks 161
Darien Gap
A record 520,000 people crossed the Darien Gap in 2023.

  • It is a stretch of densely forested jungle across northern Colombia and southern Panama around the Gulf of Urabá.
  • It forms the physiographic link between Central and South America.
  • It is a hot, humid area typified by tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and low mountain ranges with cloud forest vegetation.
  • No paved roads exist in the Darien Gap but it has become a major route for global human migration.
  • The Missing Migrant Project reported 141 known deaths in the Darien Gap in 2023.
  • Darien National Park in Panama and Los Katios National Park in Colombia finds mention in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Old-growth forests
Sweden has vast ‘old growth’ forests but they are being chopped down faster than the Amazon.

  • Old-growth forests are forests that have developed over a long period of time without disturbance.
  • They are also known as primary forests, virgin forests, primeval forests, late seral forests, or ancient woodlands.
  • They are exceptionally valuable as they tend to host more species, store more carbon, and are more resilient to environmental change.
  • Forests cover approximately 31% of the total global land area out of which roughly one-third is old-growth forest.
  • More than half of the world’s old-growth forests are found in Brazil, Canada, and Russia.
  • Examples of old-growth forests – California redwoods, Tongass National Forest in Alaska, and Adirondack forests in New York.
Clear-cutting is the practice of cutting down most or all of the trees in a forest at once.
Neonatal deaths
The recent report by United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation noted that the annual number of global under-5 deaths in 2022 declined by more than half.

  • Neonatal deaths – Number of deaths during the first 28 completed days of life per 1000 live births in a given year or other period.
  • Classification
    • Early neonatal deaths – Occur within the first 7 days of life.
    • Late neonatal deaths– Occur between 7 to 28 days.
  • Causes -Preterm birth, low birthweight and birth defects.
  • Globally, neonatal deaths happened every 14 seconds, a child aged under 5 died every 6 seconds and an adolescent died every 35 seconds in 2022.

United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME)

  • UN IGME is a technical group that produces annual estimates of child and adolescent mortality.
  • It was established in 2004 to share data, improve methods, and report on progress towards child survival goals.
  • The UN IGME includes representatives from UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank, and the United Nations Population Division.
Global Seed Vault
  • Location – Spitsbergen, part of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.
  • It stores millions of seed samples from around the world and is only accessible 3 times a year.
  • Also known as “doomsday” vault, as the reserve of seeds can be of use in case of an apocalyptic event or a global catastrophe.
  • The facility was built in 2008 with assistance from the Norwegian government and the Global Crop Diversity Trust.
  • It is part of the international system for conserving plant genetic diversity guided by the UN organisation for Food and Agriculturen (FAO).

The Arctice World Archive that aims to preserve data for the world’s governments and private institutions is also located in Spitsbergen, Norway.

 

 



Editorials & Articles – 15 March 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 15 March 2024

In issuing AI advisory, MEITY becomes a deity

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation This topic is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it addresses the legal ambiguity and policy challenges in India’s AI technology regulation.
Context
  • The article critiques MEITY’s regulatory overreach and ambiguous advisories, particularly its recent attempt to govern AI, highlighting the decline in administrative standards and the shift towards digital authoritarianism in India.

 Background on MEITY and Its Regulatory Attempts:

  • Formerly known as DEITY, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) faced ridicule due to its overzealous attempts to regulate the internet.
  • MEITY has issued multiple advisories since March 2020, demanding vague censorship without clear legal authority, creating ambiguity around compliance.

Ambiguous Legal Basis of Advisories:

  • MEITY’s advisories lack a clear legal basis under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act), leading to confusion regarding their enforceability.
  • Despite being titled as “advisories,” they imply compliance without clear penalties, creating a compliance charade rather than encouraging dialogue.

Escalation in Regulatory Actions:

  • Recent advisories on generative AI mark an escalation, triggered by viral incidents and media cycles, lacking sober assessment.
  • MEITY’s transparency is opportunistic, withholding full advisory texts and relying on press releases and social media posts for communication.

Introduction of Illegal AI Governance Model:

  • The March 1, 2024 advisory introduces an illegal AI governance model, requiring licensing of AI models, without clear definitions or legal basis.
  • Official information is selectively distributed, with Minister Chandrasekhar’s press interviews and social media feeds serving as primary sources.

Undefined Terms and Ministerial Responses:

  • Terms such as “bias prevention” and “Indian internet” lack definitions, contributing to uncertainty and confusion.
  • Minister Chandrasekhar’s responses on social media further compound uncertainty, with undefined terms and abrupt exemptions for startups.

Decline in Administrative Standards:

  • MEITY’s reliance on advisories without amending IT Rules and modifying them through social media posts reflects a decline in administrative standards.
  • Technology policy is influenced by short-term ministerial visibility and social media metrics rather than deliberative processes and stakeholder consultations.

Shift in Policy Environment:

  • The current environment favours administrative arrogance over deliberation, with policy decisions influenced by press coverage and social media reactions.
  • Expert and technical commentary is self-censored, signalling a shift towards digital authoritarianism and reduced tolerance for criticism.

Conclusion:

  • Despite criticism and ridicule, MEITY’s regulatory attempts persist, creating a sense of helplessness among stakeholders.
  • The current regulatory landscape resembles a deity demanding obedience rather than a competent governing body, highlighting the need for reform and accountability.
Artificial Intelligence regulation
Need for Regulation:

  • Ethical concerns: AI systems raise ethical dilemmas regarding privacy, bias, and accountability, necessitating clear guidelines.
  • Safety and security: Regulation is necessary to ensure AI systems are safe, secure, and not susceptible to malicious use.
  • Economic impact: Regulation can foster innovation by providing a framework for responsible AI development and deployment.
  • Public trust: Regulation can build public trust by addressing concerns about AI’s potential negative impacts on society.

Challenges:

  • Rapid advancement: AI technology evolves quickly, making it challenging for regulations to keep pace with developments.
  • Complexity: AI systems can be complex and opaque, making it difficult to assess their behaviour and potential risks.
  • International cooperation: AI regulation requires international cooperation due to the global nature of AI development and deployment.
  • Balancing innovation and regulation: Striking a balance between fostering innovation and protecting against potential harms is a challenge.

Way Forward:

  • Risk-based approach: Implement regulations that are proportional to the risks posed by AI systems.
  • Multi-stakeholder engagement: Involve various stakeholders, including industry, academia, government, and civil society, in the development of AI regulations.
  • Ethical frameworks: Develop ethical guidelines to ensure AI systems are developed and used in a manner consistent with societal values.
  • Continuous monitoring and adaptation: Regularly review and update regulations to keep pace with advancements in AI technology and address emerging challenges.
  • International standards: Work towards establishing international standards and norms for AI regulation to facilitate cooperation and consistency across borders.

Has poverty really dropped to 5% in India?

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Issues relating to poverty and hunger The topic is crucial for UPSC as it addresses poverty measurement complexities, data reliability, and socioeconomic disparities in India.
Context
  • The article discusses debates over poverty measurement in India, including critiques of the poverty line, data reliability, consumption patterns, and nutritional considerations.

 Defining Poverty Line and Its Relevance:

  • Poverty line in India is determined based on consumption expenditure, with the Tendulkar poverty line being commonly referenced.
  • According to one viewpoint, the poverty level has reduced significantly over the years, suggesting a need to reconsider the poverty line.

Critiques on Poverty Line and Data Quality:

  • Critics highlight the inadequacy of the current poverty line, emphasizing its conceptual flaws.
  • There is no officially declared income poverty line by the government, leading to ambiguity.
  • Questions are raised regarding the reliability of government data, citing instances of data suppression and politicization.

Discrepancy between Consumption and Income Growth:

  • Claims of increased consumption expenditure are defended, stating that it has risen significantly in real terms over the past decade.
  • However, counter arguments point out minimal real wage growth and increased unpaid labour participation, particularly among women.

Distributional Issues and Consumption Patterns:

  • Concerns are raised about skewed consumption growth favouring certain segments of the population, with stagnant demand for mass consumption goods.
  • GDP growth driven by capital expenditure hasn’t translated into increased private investment due to stagnant mass consumption demand.

Data Reliability and Politicization:

  • Concerns are raised about the quality of data, particularly questioning the accuracy of certain labour force participation rates.
  • Assertions are made regarding the politicisation of data in India, citing instances of data suppression and manipulation.

Nutritional Considerations and Poverty Assessment:

  • The importance of nutrition in poverty assessment is underscored, citing a UN report stating that a majority of the population cannot afford a minimum nutritious diet.
  • Arguments suggest a shift towards more sophisticated indicators beyond simple consumption measures.

Conclusion:

  • Ongoing debates surrounding poverty measurement in India highlight the complexity of the issue.
  • Challenges include the adequacy of the poverty line, data reliability, and distributional concerns.
  • Addressing these challenges requires transparent and unbiased data collection methods, as well as a nuanced understanding of consumption patterns and nutritional considerations in poverty assessment.
Lack of Reliability of Government Data
Impact:

  • Misinformed policies: Decisions based on unreliable data may lead to ineffective or counterproductive policies.
  • Public mistrust: Inaccurate information erodes public trust in government institutions and undermines their legitimacy.
  • Economic repercussions: Businesses rely on accurate data for planning and investment decisions; unreliable data can lead to economic instability.
  • Social inequality: Flawed data can exacerbate existing social inequalities by misrepresenting the needs of marginalised communities.

Way Forward:

  • Transparency: Governments should be transparent about their data collection methods and sources to increase accountability.
  • Quality assurance: Implement rigorous quality assurance measures to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
  • Independent audits: Conduct regular audits by independent agencies to verify the accuracy of government data.
  • Capacity building: Invest in training and resources for data collection, analysis, and management within government agencies.
  • Collaboration: Foster partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, and private sector entities to improve data collection and analysis.
  • Public engagement: Involve citizens in the data collection process through crowdsourcing or citizen science initiatives to enhance data accuracy and relevance.
  • Technology adoption: Embrace advanced technologies like AI and machine learning for data validation and analysis to improve reliability.
  • Legal framework: Establish clear legal frameworks for data collection, storage, and dissemination to protect privacy rights and ensure data integrity.

No going back to square one

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Important aspects of governance: Transparency and accountability. This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on electoral bonds and its impact on political financing.
Context:
  • The Supreme Court’s recent decision declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional and directing the State Bank of India (SBI) to release data to the Election Commission of India has sparked anticipation nationwide.
  • The revelation of potential skeletons in the closets of corporate donors and recipients and the examination of possible connections between donations and government favors are eagerly awaited.
  • This analysis delves into the implications of the court’s ruling, the challenges ahead, and proposed solutions for transparent political financing.

Challenges with Donor-Recipient Matching:

  • Despite the SBI’s declaration of figures, there remains uncertainty regarding matching donors and recipients.
  • The SBI’s request for an extension to June to complete this task, not mandated by the court, underscores the importance of this information.
  • The eventual release of this data could shed light on potential quid pro quos between corporations and the government, crucial for transparency and accountability.

Significance of Political Financing:

  • The issue of political financing strikes at the heart of democratic integrity, as emphasized by late Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
  • Transparent funding is imperative for free and fair elections, ensuring the credibility of the democratic process.
  • While the Supreme Court’s intervention is commendable, it highlights the need for sustained efforts to address the fundamental issue of transparent political financing.

Assessment of Post-Ruling Scenario:

  • Contrary to a complete return to square one, the judgment has nullified the unconstitutional law and associated amendments.
  • While pre-2018 political funding was predominantly opaque, the introduction of electoral bonds exacerbated secrecy surrounding donations and recipients, raising concerns about potential corruption.

Proposed Solutions for Transparency:

  • Various mechanisms have been suggested to enhance transparency in political financing.
  • Ideas include partial public funding of political parties, contingent upon internal democracy, and state funding based on electoral performance rather than direct election expenses.
  • A proposed National Election Fund financed by private entities could mitigate corporate concerns while ensuring transparency.

Comparison with Global Practices:

  • Global practices offer insights into potential solutions. Many countries provide state funding to political parties based on electoral performance, emphasizing the feasibility of such a system in India.
  • Operational details, including funding for new parties and independents, warrant discussion but shouldn’t hinder exploration of this approach.

Conclusion:

  • While the fallout from the electoral bonds scheme unfolds, the focus must shift towards charting a path forward.
  • The debate should center on implementing transparent mechanisms for political financing, crucial for upholding democratic principles and restoring public trust.
What are the Recommendations on Funding of Political Parties?
Indrajit Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections, 1998:

  • Endorsed state funding of elections to establish a fair playing field for parties with less financial resources.

Recommended limitations:

  • State funds to be allocated only to national and state parties with allotted symbols, not independent candidates.
  • Initially, state funding should be provided in kind, offering certain facilities to recognised political parties and their candidates.
  • Acknowledged economic constraints, advocating partial rather than full state funding.

Election Commission’s Recommendations:

  • The 2004 report of the Election Commission emphasised the necessity for political parties to publish their accounts annually, allowing scrutiny by the general public and concerned entities.
  • Audited accounts, ensuring accuracy, should be made public, with auditing performed by Comptroller and Auditor General-approved firms.

Law Commission, 1999:

  • Described total state funding of elections as “desirable” under the condition that political parties are prohibited from receiving funds from other sources.
  • The Law Commission’s 1999 report proposed amending the RPA, 1951, introducing section 78A for maintenance, audit, and publication of political party accounts, with penalties for non-compliance.

 NO LAST WORD

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation. This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of knowing facts about simultaneous elections which touches upon crucial aspects of governance, federalism, and the functioning of India’s political system.
Context:
  • The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has recommended holding polls for various levels of governance concurrently.
  • This recommendation, unsurprising given the refusal of Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to participate, raises questions about the impartiality and depth of deliberations within the committee.

Evaluation of Committee’s Process:

  • Despite claiming to consider inputs from various stakeholders, including political parties, legal experts, and former election commissioners, the committee’s report appears to lack in-depth research and genuine participatory processes.
  • While asserting careful consideration of constitutional and legal objections, the report’s substance, tone, and focus indicate a bias towards endorsing the government’s proposal rather than engaging with diverse perspectives.

Concerns Raised by the Committee’s Report:

  • The committee’s emphasis on the purported inefficiencies of separate elections and the alleged benefits of simultaneous polls reflects a narrow understanding of the complexities involved.
  • The report fails to adequately address concerns regarding the imposition of an artificial unitary character on India’s federal system and the potential dilution of regional issues and governance efficacy.

Critique of Opposition and Dissenting Views:

  • Despite acknowledging opposition from political parties and dissenting voices like Tamil Nadu Election Commissioner V. Palanikumar and former Chief Justices Sanjib Banerjee and A.P. Shah, the report dismisses their concerns as “misplaced.”
  • This dismissive approach overlooks substantive arguments against simultaneous elections, such as the threat to political accountability and the marginalization of regional parties.

Impact on Political Diversity:

  • The proposed shift towards simultaneous elections risks homogenizing India’s diverse political landscape, undermining the significance of regional issues and parties.
  • The emergence of regional parties over the years has reshaped Indian politics, and imposing simultaneous elections could sideline their voices and concerns.

Conclusion:

  • While the committee’s report advocates for simultaneous elections, it fails to address significant concerns and criticisms raised by various stakeholders.
  • The complex nature of India’s political system necessitates a more nuanced and inclusive approach to electoral reforms.
  • Moving forward, it is imperative to heed dissenting voices and engage in respectful dialogue to ensure that any proposed changes to the electoral process reflect the diverse interests and realities of Indian democracy.
What are the Various Benefits of Simultaneous Elections or ONOE?
Reducing Governance Distractions:

  • Holding frequent elections diverts the entire country’s attention, from top leaders to local representatives, causing a virtual paralysis of administration at various levels.
  • This preoccupation negatively impacts India’s growth prospects and hinders effective governance.

Model Code of Conduct’s Impact:

  • The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) imposed during elections delays key policy decisions both at the national and local levels.
  • Even ongoing projects face setbacks as election duties take precedence, leading to a slowdown in routine administration.

Addressing Political Corruption:

  • Frequent elections contribute to political corruption as significant funds need to be raised for each election.
  • Simultaneous elections can substantially reduce election expenses for political parties, eliminating the need for repetitive fundraising.
  • It also lessens the pressure on the public and business community for multiple election donations.

Cost Savings and Electoral Infrastructure:

  • When the first elections to the Lok Sabha took place in 1951-52, 53 parties contested the elections, around 1874 candidates participated and poll expenses were Rs. 11 crore.
  • In the 2019 elections, there were 610 political parties and around 9,000 candidates; poll expenses of around Rs. 60,000 crores, as per Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), are yet to be declared by the political parties.
  • While initial infrastructure investments are required, using the same electoral rolls for all elections can save considerable time and money in updating and maintaining voter lists.

Citizen Convenience:

  • Simultaneous elections alleviate concerns for citizens regarding missing names from electoral rolls.
  • Using consistent electoral rolls for all elections streamlines the process, providing citizens with a more straightforward and reliable voting experience.

Optimizing Law Enforcement Resources:

  • Massive redeployment of police and paramilitary forces during elections incurs significant costs and diverts key law enforcement personnel from critical functions.
  • Simultaneous elections can curtail these deployments, optimizing resources and enhancing law enforcement efficiency.

Curbing Horse-Trading:

  • Fixed-interval elections have the potential to reduce horse-trading by elected representatives.
  • Holding elections at specific periods makes it more challenging for representatives to switch parties or form alliances for personal gains, complementing existing anti-defection laws.

Financial Stability for State Governments:

  • Frequent elections lead to state governments announcing freebies to woo the electorate, often straining their finances.
  • Simultaneous elections could mitigate this issue, reducing the financial burden on state governments and contributing to greater financial stability.
One Nation, One Election

Why in news?

  • The High-level Committee (HLC) on One Nation, One Election submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu. The report said that simultaneous elections would lead to a fundamental transformation in the electoral process and overall governance.
  • The HLC, popularly known as the Kovind panel after its chairman, former President Ram Nath Kovind, was constituted in September 2023.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Simultaneous elections in India: Meaning
  • History of Elections in India
  • Key recommendations of the HLC

Simultaneous elections in India: Meaning

  • The concept of “One Nation, One Election” envisions a system in which all state and Lok Sabha elections must be held simultaneously.
  • This will entail restructuring the Indian election cycle so that elections to the states and the centre coincide.
  • This would imply that voters will vote for members of the LS and state assemblies on the same day and at the same time (or in a phased manner as the case may be).

History of Elections in India

  • Era of simultaneous elections
    • The first general elections of free India held simultaneously to the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assemblies of the States in 1951.
    • The next three cycles of elections also witnessed concurrent Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections barring a few stray cases like:
      • Kerala where a mid-term election was held in 1960 on the pre-mature dissolution of the Assembly, and
      • In Nagaland and Pondicherry where the Assembly was created only after the 1962 general elections.
    • The last occasion when we had near-simultaneous elections was in 1967.
  • Beginning of the end of simultaneous elections
    • The fourth Lok Sabha constituted in 1967 was dissolved prematurely in 1971. This was the beginning of the end of simultaneous elections.
    • Extension of the term of Lok Sabha during the National Emergency declared in 1975 and the dissolution of Assemblies of some States after the 1977 Lok Sabha election further disturbed the cycle of concurrent elections.
  • Current status
    • In 2019, only 4 States had their assembly elections, along with the Lok Sabha.
    • We now have at least two rounds of Assembly general elections every year.

Key recommendations of the HLC

  • Simultaneous election by 2029
    • The panel recommended amending the Constitution so elections for the Lok Sabha, all state assemblies and local bodies can be held by 2029.
  • Amending the Constitution (two steps)
    • In all, 18 amendments to the Constitution and other statutes have been suggested.
    • In the first step, simultaneous elections will be held to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
    • To achieve synchronisation at the first step, the government should take a one-time step where they pick a specific date after a Lok Sabha election.
    • After this date, the terms of all state assemblies that have elections will end along with Parliament’s term.
      • To effect these changes, the panel has recommended amendments to Article 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of State legislatures) of the Constitution.
      • For this, no ratification by the states will be required for the constitutional amendment.
    • In the second step, elections to municipalities and the panchayats will be synchronised with elections to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
      • This will be done in such a way that local body elections are held within 100 days of the elections to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
      • This will require ratification by not less than one-half of the states.
  • Insertion of Article 324A
    • The committee recommended an Article 324A, which states that Parliament may make a law to ensure that elections to municipalities and panchayats be held together with General Elections.
  • Single electoral roll and election ID
    • To make single electoral roll and electoral photo identity cards for use in elections to all the three tiers of government, the committee recommended that Article 325 of the Constitution be amended.
    • Then only, Election Commission of India can prepare a single electoral roll and election ID in consultation with the State Election Commissions.
    • These amendments will require ratification by not less than one-half of the states.
  • In case of hung house
    • In the event of a hung House, a no-confidence motion, or any such event, fresh elections should be held to constitute the new Lok Sabha or state Assembly for the unexpired term of the House.
  • Meeting logistics requirement
    • The committee suggests that the Election Commission of India should plan ahead with State Election Commissions for things like manpower, polling staff, security forces, and voting machines to ensure fair elections across all levels of government at the same time.
  • Rejected the Germany model of bringing no-confidence motion against a government
    • The committee rejected the concept of constructive vote of no-confidence, which is the model in Germany.
      • In this model, to bring a no-confidence motion against a government, a positive vote of confidence in an alternate leader or government is required.
    • The committee said that the prevailing Parliamentary practice in this regard is appropriate and does not require any change.
    • Making a motion of no confidence by the Members of Parliament is not only their right, but also their responsibility. The Committee would not like to dilute this feature of the Indian Parliamentary system.
India ranks 134th in global human development index

Why in news?

  • India’s ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) improved by one position in 2022 to 134 out of 193 countries ranked compared to 135 out of 191 countries in 2021.Switzerland has been ranked number one.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Human Development Index (HDI)
  • Key highlights of the Human Development Report (HDR)2023/24
  • Observations made by the HDR 2023/24
  • Four areas for immediate action proposed by the report

The Human Development Index (HDI)

  • About
    • It is a statistical composite (first published in 1990 by the UNDP) index, which measures average achievement of a country in 3 basic dimensions –
  • Background
    • It was developed by Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq and is now used to assess a country’s development as part of the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report.
    • Along with HDI, HDR also presents:
      • Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI),
      • Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI),
      • Gender Inequality Index(GII) since 2010 and
      • Gender Development Index (GDI) since 2014.
    • Th HDI also embodies Amartya Sen’s “capabilities” approach to understand human well-being, which emphasizes the importance of ends (like a decent standard of living) over means (like income per capita).

Key Highlights of the HDR 2023/24 – India specific

  • Theme of the report
    • Recently released 2023/24 Human Development Report (HDR) was titled as “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World.”
  • India’s ranking
    • India ranked 135 in 2021. It had moved up to 134 in 2022.
  • India in the medium human development category
    • Between 1990 and 2022, the country saw its HDI value increase by 48.4 percent, from 0.434 in 1990 to 644 in 2022.
  • India’s performance on various indicators
    • India’s life expectancy at birth has slightly improved from 67.2 years in 2021 to 67.7 years in 2022.
    • There is an overall increase (5.88%) in expected years of schooling (EYS) from 11.9 years to 12.6 years, leading to an improvement of 18 places.
    • Gross National Income (GNI) per capita also improved from $6,542 to $6,951.
  • Performance of India’s neighbourhood
    • Sri Lanka has been ranked much ahead at 78, while China is ranked 75, both categorised under the High Human Development category.
    • Bhutan stands at 125 and Bangladesh at 129th position.
    • Nepal (146) and Pakistan (164) have been ranked lower than India.
  • India’s progress in reducing gender inequality
    • India has also shown progress in reducing gender inequality and ranks 108 out of 166 countries in the Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022.
    • The GII measures gender inequalities in three key dimensions – reproductive health, empowerment, and labour market.
    • The country’s GII value of 0.437 is better than the global average of 0.462 and the South Asian average of 0.478.
      • India’s performance in reproductive health is better than other countries in the medium human development group or South Asia.
      • India’s adolescent birth rate in 2022 was 16.3 (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19), an improvement from 17.1 in 2021.
      • However, India also has one of the largest gender gaps in the labour force participation rate—a 47.8 percentage points difference between women (28.3%) and men (76.1%).

Observations made by the HDR 2023/24

  • The report shows that the two-decade trend of steadily reducing inequalities between wealthy and poor nations is now in reverse.
  • The failure of collective action to advance action on climate change, digitalisation or poverty and inequality not only hinders human development but also worsens polarisation and further erodes trust in people and institutions worldwide.
  • Nine in 10 people worldwide endorse democracy, but over half of the respondents expressed support for leaders who may undermine it, for instance, by bypassing fundamental rules of the democratic process.
  • Political polarisation in countries is also responsible for protectionist or inward-turning policy approaches.

Four areas for immediate action proposed by the report

  • To break through the current deadlock & reignite a commitment to a shared future:
    • planetary public goods for climate stability as we confront the unprecedented challenges of the Anthropocene;
    • digital global public goods for greater equity in harnessing new technologies for equitable human development;
    • new and expanded financial mechanisms, including a novel track in international cooperation that complements humanitarian assistance and traditional development aid to low-income countries; and
    • dialling down political polarization through new governance approaches focused on enhancing people’s voices in deliberation and tackling misinformation.
CAA’s Legal Issues & Status of Judicial Proceedings

Why in News?

  • Four years after the Parliament passed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified the rules to implement the law on March 11.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Background (About CAA, Provisions, etc.)
  • Constitutional Validity (w.r.t. Article 14, Judicial Status, Section 6A, etc.)

Background:

  • The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 fast-tracks citizenship to undocumented immigrants from six non-Muslim communities from the neighboring Muslim countries of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
    • The six non-Muslim communities are Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Christian and Jain.
  • As per the rules of the Act, the applicants must provide certain documents and specify date of entry in India to be eligible for citizenship. The cutoff date for entry is December 31, 2014.
  • Although the Act was passed on December 11, 2019, and received assent from the President on December 12 of the same year, it could not be implemented since the rules were not framed.
  • The Act is under challenge before the Supreme Court, with several petitioners moving fresh pleas seeking a stay on the implementation of the rules.

Violation of Article 14 of the Constitution:

  • Immediately after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging its constitutionality.
  • These petitions primarily challenge the law for violating Article 14 of the Constitution which guarantees all ‘persons’ (not only citizens) equality before the law and equal protection of law.
  • They also argue that making religion a qualifier for citizenship violates secularism, which is a basic feature of the Constitution.
  • The petitioners have contended that the special treatment given to the specific persecuted religious minorities from the three Muslim-majority neighboring countries does not constitute a reasonable classification under Article 14.
  • More so because groups like the Tamil Hindus in Sri Lanka, the Rohingyas in Myanmar and minority Muslim sects like the Hazaras in Afghanistan also face persecution but have been denied similar protection under this law.
  • The CAA has also been dubbed as a move to subvert the Assam Accord of 1985 that deems any person who cannot prove his ancestry beyond March 24, 1971, an alien and does not differentiate on grounds of religion.
  • The petitions, especially one by the All-Assam Students’ Union, contend that the law will further multiply the uncontrolled influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh to Assam.

Central Government’s Response:

  • The Centre in its affidavit before the Supreme Court said that it seeks to provide amnesty to specific communities from specified countries with a clear cut-off date.
  • It highlighted that the law does not in any manner affect the legal, democratic or secular rights of any Indian citizen.
  • The affidavit further stated that the narrowly tailored legislation was passed to tackle a specific problem, i.e., the persecution on the ground of religion in the light of the undisputable theocratic constitutional position in these specified countries.
  • It added that in matters of foreign policy, citizenship, and economic policy among others, a wide latitude is available to the Parliament.

Judicial Status of the CAA:

  • On December 18, 2019, a Bench comprising former Chief Justice of India (CJI) S.A. Bobde, Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant refused to stay the operation of the law.
    • They instead suggested that the government publicise the actual intent of the Act so that there was no confusion among the public about its objectives and aims.
  • On October 6, 2022, a Bench comprising former CJI U.U. Lalit and Justices Ravindra Bhat and Hima Kohli passed an order stating that final hearings in the case would begin on December 6, 2022.
  • However, the case has not been listed since then.
  • As per the Supreme Court’s website, the petitions are currently listed before a Bench headed by Justice Pankaj Mithal.

Relation with Section 6A of the Citizenship Act:

  • The proceedings against the CAA are also dependent on the outcome of the challenge to Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
    • The section was introduced in furtherance of a Memorandum of Settlement called the “Assam Accord” signed on August 15, 1985, between the Centre and the leaders of the Assam movement.
    • Section 6A determines who is a foreigner in Assam by establishing March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for entry. Those entering the state after that would be considered “illegal immigrants”.
    • Those who came to the State on or after January 1, 1966, but before March 25, 1971, were to be declared as “foreigners” and would have all the rights and obligations of Indian citizens except for being included in electoral rolls for 10 years.
  • If March 24, 1971, is upheld as a valid cut-off date for entry into the State, then CAA can be held to be violative of the Assam Accord since it establishes a different timeline.
How did Indians End Up in the Russia-Ukraine War

Why in News?

  • The deaths of two Indian nationals in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war illustrate the plight of dozens of Indians trapped on the front lines after being duped into working with the Russian military.
  • Also, recent CBI raids found a human trafficking network recruiting Indians as security helpers and other personnels for the Russian military, have sparked widespread concern.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • What Happened with Indians in Russia?
  • How did the Agents Deceive People?
  • What has the Indian Government Said?

What Happened with Indians in Russia?

  • A series of reports brought attention to the situation that some Indian nationals, initially hired as army security helpers, were compelled to fight against their will after their passports and documents were seized.
  • According to a resident of Uttar Pradesh, he went to Russia with the help of an agent in November last year.
  • They were assured that they would not be sent to the battlefield and offered a monthly pay of ₹1.95 lakh with an additional ₹50,000 incentive.
  • However, they were sent to the frontline in January (2024) after some basic training in handling weapons.
  • An Indian-origin Russian official associated with the Russian Ministry of Defence told that approx. 100 Indians were recruited at the Moscow recruitment centre in the past year.
  • However, the actual number of Indians hired could be higher, since there are several recruitment centres across Russia.

How did the Agents Deceive People?

  • A multi-State human trafficking network busted by the CBI in a crackdown on visa recruiters in seven cities across India revealed how Indian youths were allegedly pushed into the war zone by consultancy firms.
  • The Indian youths were duped on the pretext of a better life and livelihood with the Russian military as security guards and helpers, as well as higher education.
  • As per the CBI, the “organised network” lured Indian youth through social media and local agents, offering them highly paid jobs and lucrative employment opportunities in Russia.
  • A number of students were reportedly tricked into enrolling in dubious private universities by agents promising low fees and visa extensions.
  • Once the aspirants reached Russia, the local agents seized their passports and forced them to join the armed forces.

What has the Indian Government Said?

  • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued warnings (last month) to Indian citizens about the dangers of being recruited for support roles in the Russian army.
  • The Indian government is in talks with the Russian authorities about the early release of Indian citizens who were duped into working with the Russian military.
  • Noting the findings of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raids, the MEA appealed to Indian nationals not to be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army.

 



Current Affairs – 14 March 2024

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Current Affairs – 14 March 2024

Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024

Recently, the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries announced Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024

About Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024:

  • It aims to further accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles in the country. It is a fund limited scheme with a total outlay of Rs. 500 crore for the period of 4 months.
  • It is for faster adoption of electric two-wheeler (e-2W) and three-wheeler (e-3W) to provide further impetus to the green mobility and development of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing eco-system in the country. 
  • Eligible EV categories
    • Two Wheelers (electric) (e-2W)
    • Three-wheeler (electric) including registered e-rickshaws & e-carts and L5 (e-3W)
  • The scheme will be applicable mainly to those e-2W and e-3Ws registered for commercial purposes. Further, in addition to commercial use, privately or corporate owned registered e-2W will also be eligible under the scheme.
  • To encourage advance technologies, the benefits of incentives, will be extended to only those vehicles which are fitted with advanced battery.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries

International Day of Mathematics

The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is celebrated every year on 14 March.

About International Day of Mathematics:

  • International Day of Mathematics, or Pi Day, is celebrated on March 14 every year to recognize the mathematical constant, Pi.
  • The theme of International Day of Mathematics 2024 is ‘Playing with Math’.
  • Why March 14?
    • The approximate value of Pi is 3.14.The date, when written in the format of month/day (3/14), matches the first three digits of the mathematical constant. 
  • History:
    • The first Pi Day was celebrated in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium.
    • In 2009, the United States House of Representatives designated March 14 as Pi Day.
    • UNESCO marked Pi Day as the ‘International Day of Mathematics’ during its general conference in 2019.
    • Mathematician and physicist Albert Einstein, known for the “General Theory Of Relativity,” was born on Pi Day in 1879.

What is Pi (π)?

  • Pi is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. 
  • It is an infinitely long, irrational number, and its exact value cannot be known.
  • Pi is roughly equal to 3.14, or 22/7.
  • History:
    • Pi has been known for nearly 4,000 years and was discovered by the ancient Babylonians.
    • One of the first calculations of pi was carried out by Greek mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse (287 B.C. to 212 B.C.).
    • It also has a symbol, ‘π.’The symbol π was devised by British mathematician William Jones in 1706.
  • Applications: It is used in a wide variety of mathematical and scientific calculations, including geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and more.

Lyme Disease

A case of Lyme disease has been recently reported in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.

About Lyme Disease:

  • It is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
  • Transmission:
    • It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, often referred to as deer ticks.
    • Lyme disease cannot spread:
      • between humans
      • from pets to humans
      • through air, food, or water
    • Lice, mosquitoes, fleas, and flies also do not transmit it.
  • It is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas worldwide, particularly during warmer months. It is most commonly reported in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia.
  • Symptoms:
    • Early symptoms of Lyme disease start between 3 to 30 days after an infected tick bite you.
    • It commonly manifests with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic “bull’s-eye” red rash called erythema migrans (EM).
      • Erythema migrans serves as a hallmark sign, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of this tick-borne illness.
    • Left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.
  • Treatment:
    • The standard treatment for Lyme disease is antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, especially in the early stages.
    • In later stages, intravenous antibiotics may be required.

Atmospheric Research Testbed

Recently, Minister of Earth Sciences virtually inaugurated the first phase of the Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) in Sehore district in Madhya Pradesh.

About Atmospheric Research Testbed:

  • It is established by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), MoES at Silkheda for better understanding on processes governing monsoon convection.
  • ART-CI will have an extensive set of remote-sensing and in-situ instruments that will provide continuous observations of convection, clouds, precipitation, soil moisture, radiation, microphysics to capture major modes of variability.
  • Phases
    • In the first phase, an ART would be set up in central India to study convection, land-atmosphere interactions and precipitation processes. It is expected to provide a sound basis for other research testbed programs in climatologically interesting and important areas.
    • In the second phase, ART is to be set up in the northeast/eastern part of the country to study severe thunderstorm processes.
  • Objectives
    • It is for better understanding on processes governing monsoon convection and land-atmosphere interactions over the monsoon core region and to measure relevant meteorological parameters using the state-of-the-art observational systems.
    • To organize intense observational campaigns along with weather prediction model runs for testing hypotheses and to improve physical parameterizations in the models related to convection and land surface processes. 
    • Outreach, Training and Dissemination of ART-CI data sets. The testbed will be made into an international facility for intense observational campaigns and testing physical parameterization schemes including sensitivity runs.
  • It has nearly 25 high-end instruments like the aethalometer for aerosol studies, cloud condensation nuclei counter, laser ceilometer to measure cloud sizes, micro rain radar to calculate raindrop size and its distribution have been installed.
  • A Ka-band cloud radar and a C-band doppler weather radar will also help track the movement of rain-bearing systems over this zone.

Small and Medium Real-Estate Investment Trusts

The SEBI recently amended the REIT Regulations of 2014, outlining provisions for the establishment of small and medium real-estate investment trusts, known as SM REITs or micro REITs.

About Small and Medium Real-Estate Investment Trusts:

  • These are specialised real estate investment trusts that differ from conventional REITs in their scale and focus.
  • Aim: To regulate the fractional ownership industry and safeguard investor interests, incorporating both commercial and residential properties within the new framework.
  • The minimum subscription size of this scheme unit will be 10 lakh and treated as one unit. The SM REIT scheme requires a minimum of 200 unit holders, excluding the investment manager, its related parties and associates.
  • An investment manager responsible for setting up an SM REIT is required to have a net worth of at least ₹20 crore, and a separate trustee will be appointed for oversight.
  • The micro REITs will be able to list with an asset value of at least Rs 50 crore and a maximum of Rs 500 crore.
  • These funds are to be used for acquiring and managing real estate assets, generating income for the investors. The ownership of these assets will be structured through one or more schemes, each operating under special purpose vehicles (SPVs).
  • While traditional REITs primarily invest in large-scale commercial properties, such as office buildings and shopping malls, SM REITs concentrate on smaller and medium-sized properties with lower value.

Devin AI

A US-based company called Cognition has announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence chatbot called Devin which it claims to be world’s first fully autonomous AI software engineer.

About Devin AI:

  • It is the world’s first AI software engineer.
  • What can Devin do?
    • The AI agent comes with some advanced capabilities in software development, including coding, debugging, problem-solving, etc.
    • It uses machine learning algorithms to constantly learn and improve its performance and adapt according to new challenges.
    • In simple words, Devin can build and deploy apps end-to-end and can also train and fine-tune its own AI models. It can plan and execute complex engineering tasks that would require thousands of decisions.
    • It can recall relevant context at each step, self-learn over time, and even fix mistakes. This software engineer has the ability to proactively collaborate with the user.
    • It reports progress in real-time, is capable of accepting feedback, and works along with the user through design choices as needed.
  • Performance
    • On the SWE-Bench benchmark (a benchmark for evaluating large language models on real-world software issues found on GitHub), Devin correctly resolved 13.86 per cent of the issues without any assistance.
    • It is capable of augmenting efficiency and speed within software development processes by automating repetitive tasks, instantly generating code, expediting project timelines, and cutting down development expenses substantially. It is immune to human errors or inconsistencies.

 

PB-SHABD Platform

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting launched PB-SHABD, a news sharing service from Prasar Bharati.

About PB-SHABD:

  • Prasar Bharti – Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD) platform has been designed to provide daily news feeds in video, audio, text, photo and other formats to the subscribers from media landscape.
  • It is powered by the vast network of Prasar Bharati reporters, correspondents and stringers, the service would bring you the latest news from different parts of the country.
  • It will be a single point source of news content for all organizations. SHABD service is being offered free of cost for the first year as an introductory offer and will provide news stories in all major Indian languages across fifty categories.
  • The shared feeds can be used for customized storytelling across different platforms. As an introductory offer, the services would be available free of cost and help the smaller newspapers, TV channels and digital portals immensely.

What is Prasar Bharti?

  • It is the Public Service Broadcaster of the country.
  • It is a statutory autonomous body established in 1997 under the Prasar Bharati Act.
  • Objective: To conduct public broadcasting services intended to inform and entertain the public.
  • It comprises the Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio, which were earlier media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • Headquarter: New Delhi

Vocal for Local’ Initiative

NITI Aayog recently launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Programme.

About ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative:

  • It is an initiative of NITI Aayogunder its Aspirational Blocks Programme to encourage a spirit of self-reliance among the people and propel them towards sustainable growth and prosperity.
  • As a part of this initiative, local products from 500 aspirational blocks have been mapped and consolidated under the Aakanksha brand.
    • Aakanksha is an umbrella brand, which could be supplemented into multiple sub-brands that have the potential to create an international market.
  • In order to encourage these products, a dedicated window for the Aspirational Blocks Programme under the brand name Aakanksha has been established on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
  • The partners will also provide technical and operational support for the facilitation of e-commerce onboarding, establishing linkages, financial/digital literacy, documentation/certification, and skill enhancement, among others.

Key Facts about Government e-Marketplace (GeM):

  • It is an online platform for public procurement, launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
  • It is a one-stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs.
  • The purchases made through GeM by Government users have been authorised and made mandatory by the Ministry of Finance under the General Financial Rules, 2017.
  • The platform is owned by GeM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), which is a 100% Government-owned, non-profit company under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Key Facts about Aspirational Blocks Programme:

  • It is on the lines of the Aspirational District Programme that was launched in 2018 and covers 112 districts across the country.
  • This new programme is aimed at improving performance of blocks lagging on various development parameters.
  • This will enable holistic development in those areas that require added assistance.
  • The programme will initially cover 500 districts across 31 States and Union Territories. 
  • Over half of these blocks are in six States: Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61), Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34), Odisha (29), and West Bengal (29).

Global Methane Tracker 2024

According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Methane Tracker 2024, Methane emissions from fuel use in 2023 were close to being the highest ever.

About Global Methane Tracker:

  • It is an annual report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
  • It is based on the most recently available data on methane emissions from the energy sector and incorporates new scientific studies, measurement campaigns, and information collected from satellites.
  • Highlights of Global Methane Tracker 2024:
    • Methane emissions from fuel use in 2023 were close to being the highest ever at 120 million tonnes (Mt). This is a small rise compared to 2022.
    • Bioenergy, a form of renewable energy generated by plant and animal waste, caused another 10 million tons of emissions.
    • Of the 120 Mt of methane that escaped into the atmosphere, around 80 million tons of methane emissions came from just 10 countries, The United States leads in methane emissions from oil and gas operations, and is “closely followed” by Russia. China, on the other hand, leads in emissions from coal operations.
    • While studies suggested emissions are falling in some regions, overall emissions remain far too high to meet the world’s climate goals.
    • The world needs to slash methane emissionsfrom fossil fuels by 75 percent by 2030 to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
    • The IEA estimated that this goal would require about $170 billion in spending. This is less than 5 percent of the income generated by the fossil fuel industry in 2023.

Euscorpiops Krachan

Researchers recently discovered a previously unknown species of scorpion, scientifically classified as Euscorpiops Krachan.

About Euscorpiops Krachan:

  • It belongs to the subgenus Euscopiops and has been named Euscorpiops Krachan after the national park in Thailand, where it was found.
  • Scorpions in this genus have limited distribution ranges with a high degree of endemism. They can be found mainly in mountain areas, particularly in places with numerous rock crevices.
  • Features:
    • They are very small in comparison to most other species of the subgenus, reaching just over 1 inch in length.
    • They are brownish in colour; however, females are darker than males.
    • They also have eight eyes and eight legs.
    • Other scorpions of the Scorpiops genus hunt through ‘ambush or sit-and-wait type of foraging’. It is believed that the new species employs similar strategies while hunting. 

National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE)

India recently launched the ‘National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAP-SE)’ along with a booklet on Snakebite and a Poster on “Dos” and “Don’ts”.

  • It is a broad framework for management, prevention and control of Snake bite envenoming in India.
  • Launched by – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Aim – To halve the number of deaths and disability due to snakebite envenoming by 2030 through ‘One Health’ approach
Snakebite Envenoming
  • A potentially life-threatening disease following the bite of a venomous snake.
  • Snake bites can cause paralysis, bleeding disorders, kidney failure and local tissue destruction, etc.
  • WHO – It formally lists the snakebite envenoming as a highest priority Neglected Tropical Disease in 2017.
  • India – It accounts for 50% of all snakebite deaths globally.
  • Known as the Snakebite capital of the world.
  • Around 90% of snakebites in India are caused by the ‘Big 4 Crawlers’
    • Common Krait
    • Indian Cobra
    • Russell’s Viper and
    • Saw Scaled Viper
  • Mission – To progressively reduce the morbidity, mortality and its associated complications in humans due to Snake bite.
  • Components – Human, wildlife, tribal and animal health component.
  • Human-health Component – Surveillance of snake bite case, emergency care services, anti-snake venom at all health facilities, and institutionalization of Regional Venom Centre.
  • Wildlife-health component – Public awareness, research & monitoring, snake venom collection, antivenom distribution and snake relocation.
  • Animal & agriculture component – Prevention of snake bites in livestock, community engagement etc.

Human health component are already being implemented under snakebite prevention and control through the State and District Nodal Officer (SNO & DNO) under National Health Mission.

  • Joint monitoring – Component wise monitoring and independent external evaluation of the state action plan.
  • Key stakeholders – As a nodal agency, they directly involve in providing technical and logistic support to the State/District and below level and also help in formalizing the State Action Plan.
  • A guidance document – For the states / UTs and stakeholders to develop their own action plan, specific to their needs.
  • The states will identify and nominate State and District Nodal Officer (SNO & DNO).
  • A helpline number ‘15400’ – For immediate assistance & guidance to individuals and communities affected by snakebites.
  • It will be piloted in 5 states and Union Territories (UTs) – Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi.

Project SOORYA

ISRO has formalised a project team, internally named ‘SOORYA’, to start building the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

  • Aim – To develop NGLV and thereby to build the country’s own space station and send Indians to the Moon.

NGLV will be India’s biggest rocket and is to be ready by 2034-35.

  • Requirement – 3rd launch pad at Sriharikota will be necessary as NGLV’s configuration will differ from the current class of rockets.
  • Features – A 3-stage launch vehicle.
  • Fuel – Green fuel combinations like methane-liquid oxygen or kerosene-liquid oxygen.
  • Payload capacity – Up to 10 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) that is more than twice the capability India’s current heaviest rocket, the LVM-3, has.
  • Reusability – Its parts are recoverable and can be reflown.
  • Cost-competitive rocket – Reusability reduces the launch costs, of around $1,900 per kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), compared to $3,000/kg for an expendable configuration.
  • In line with India’s Space Vision 2047 – It helps in achieving the goals of building a space station by 2035 and eventually sending Indians to Moon.
  • Private sector participation – While ISRO will provide technical support, the private industry is expected to eventually handle building, operations and launches.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a space agency of India, created in 1969 by superseding Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). Its headquarters is in Bengaluru, Karnataka and works under the control of Department of Space (DOS), Government of India.

Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL)

The Committee on Digital Competition Law (CDCL) has submitted its report with the Draft Bill on Digital Competition Law.

  • Constituted by – Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
  • Aim – To examine the need for a separate law on competition in digital markets and to prepare a draft Digital Competition Act and submitting a report.
  • Composition – 16-member inter-ministerial committee.
  • Committee headed by – Manoj Govil
  • Activity – It reviewed whether the existing provisions of the Competition Act 2002 are sufficient to deal with the challenges emerging from the digital economy.
  • Recommendation – They are largely modelled on the EU’s Digital Markets Act, with some India specific variations.
  • Ex-ante (before the event) measures be introduced to complement the current ex-post framework.
  • Legislate to regulate the market power of Big Tech firms like Google and Meta to better equip the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to rule on competition matters for tech firms.
  • Identifying large digital enterprises with a ’significant presence’ in India in selected ‘core digital services’ and terming them as “Systemically Significant Digital Enterprises,” or SSDEs.
    • They shall be identified by using 2 test basis, companies’ significant financial strength and significant spread.
    • These companies need to do a self-assessment and report it to the CCI if they fall within the same.
    • Any non-compliance with the requirement, may lead to significant fines which can be up to 10% of global turnover.
  • Implement a mechanism for inter-regulatory consultations.
  • Challenges – Ex-ante regulation could potentially stifle innovation which could lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced consumer choice and higher prices.

Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu Appointed as New Election Commissioners

  • The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led three-member committee has appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as new Election Commissioners. This decision was conveyed to the media by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury after the committee’s meeting on March 14, 2024.

Filling Vacant Positions

  • The appointments come in the wake of the recent resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, just days ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. With the retirement of Anup Pandey in February and Goel’s resignation, the three-member Election Commission panel was left with only the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar.

New Selection Panel

  • These appointments are the first to be made by the reconstituted selection panel, which now includes the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and a designated Union Cabinet minister. The Chief Justice of India is no longer part of the panel, following the enactment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.

Upcoming General Elections

  • The Election Commission, responsible for conducting free and fair elections, is expected to announce the dates for the upcoming general elections soon. The Lok Sabha elections are likely to be held in April-May 2024.

Legal Challenge

  • Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea on March 15th, challenging the exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel for the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has filed this plea, alleging that the Supreme Court’s previous ruling on the selection panel has been overruled without addressing the basis of the judgment.With the new appointments and the upcoming legal challenge, the focus remains on ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in the world’s largest democracy.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams

  • Election Commissioner of India HQ: Delhi
  • Election Commissioner of India Established: 25th January 1950.
Other Important Topics
Operation ‘Rising Sun’
  • It is a pan-India operation of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) against the smuggling of foreign-origin gold.
  • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the apex anti-smuggling agency of India, working under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance.
  • Functions –
    • Detecting and curbing smuggling of contraband, including drug trafficking and illicit international trade in wildlife and environmentally sensitive items
    • Combating commercial frauds related to international trade and evasion of Customs duty.
PB-SHABD
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting has recently launched the Prasar Bharti – Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD).

  • Aim – To provide daily news feeds in video, audio, text, photo and other formats to the subscribers from media landscape.
  • Launched by – Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • As an introductory offer, the services would be available free of cost and help the smaller newspapers, TV channels and digital portals immensely.
Pi Day
  • March 14 is celebrated as Pi Day worldwide as an ode to the most well-known approximation (3.14) of the mathematical constant Pi.
  • UNESCO’s 40th General Conference in 2019 designated Pi Day as the International Day of Mathematics.
  • On the day, mathematicians try to raise awareness on their subject among laypersons, through lectures, museum exhibitions and pie (sic)-eating competitions.

Pi

  • Pi (π) represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference (boundary) to its diameter.
  • Pi is an irrational number, it is a decimal with no end and no repeating pattern which is most often approximated to the 3.14, or the fraction 22/7.
Devin AI
  • Devin is the world’s ‘1st fully autonomous’ AI software engineer,
  • It can write codes, create websites, and software with just a single prompt.
  • It is created by the US-based applied AI lab, Cognition.
  • Other popular AI-powered tools that help with coding are OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Polycoder, CodeT5, Tabnine, etc.
Banning of food colouring
The Karnataka government recently banned the use of harmful colouring agent including Rhodamine B in gobhi manchurian and cotton candy.

  • According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), only colors permitted in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011, can be added to food.
  • Even permissible food colourings are not allowed in all food items.
  • Some permitted synthetic colors include:
Red Ponceau 4R, Carmoisine, and Erythrosine
Yellow Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow FCF
Blue Indigo Carmine and Brilliant Blue FCF
Green Fast Green FCF
  • The FSSAI also approves the following colors, which are safe for consumption in any food article- Caramel, Riboflavin (Lactoflavin), Saffron, Annatto, Curcumin (Turmeric).
  • Allowed natural food colours
  • Carotene and carotenoids (yellow, orange),
  • Chlorophyll (green),
  • Riboflavin (yellow),
  • Caramel, Annatto (orange-red, derived from the seed of an American tree).
  • Saffron, and circumin (yellow, from turmeric).
Coral Superhighway
Scientists have discovered that remote coral reefs around the Seychelles are closely related through ocean currents creating a coral superhighway.

  • Coral superhighway is a network of ocean currents that transports huge quantities of coral larvae between these scattered islands.
  • A key factor in reef recovery is larval supply, making the discovery important in future coral restoration projects.
Kairos
Kairos, Japan’s 1st privately built rocket, explodes after its launch from the Kii peninsula, Japan.

  • Kairos is a small, 3-stage solid-fuel rocket.
  • It is built by Japanese private company Space One.
Mumps virus
  • Mumps is a viral illness caused by a paramyxovirus that spreads through airborne droplets from the Parotid Gland.
  • Symptoms – Fever, malaise, body aches, muscle aches, loss of appetite and a general sense of listlessness.
  • Transmission – Humans are the only known host for mumps virus which is transmitted from person to person through direct contact with saliva or droplets of the infected person.
  • There is currently no cure for mumps.
  • Prevention – It can be easily prevented with the MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccine.
Aghanashini Estuary
A group of conservationists along with the IISc.’s Energy and Wetlands Research Group have called for setting up the Aghanashini Wetland Conservation Authority.

  • The Aghanashini estuary located in Karnataka where the Aghanashini River flows into the Arabian Sea.
  • It is a highly productive and biologically rich waterscape of coastal Karnataka.
  • It was recently designated as Ramsar sites under the Ramsar Convention.
Sabroom Land Port
Prime Minister has recently inaugurate the 3rd land port in Sabroom, Tripura

  • Land Port Sabroom is strategically located in Tripura along the international border between India and Bangladesh.
  • It will be constructed by the Land ports authority of India.
  • Sabroom is directly connected to Chittagong port of Bangladesh through Maitree bridge on River Feni .
  • Land ports is an area on an international border that includes parts of highways, railways, and other roads.

 



Editorials & Articles – 14 March 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 14 March 2024

India’s R&D funding, breaking down the numbers

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation. From a UPSC perspective, understanding India’s R&D funding landscape is crucial for assessing its innovation potential and economic competitiveness.
Context
  • The article discusses India’s R&D funding landscape, emphasizing the need for increased private sector involvement and stronger industry-academia collaboration to foster innovation and economic growth.

 Introduction:

  • The interim Budget for 2024-25 announced a ₹1 lakh crore corpus to bolster India’s research and innovation ecosystem, sparking enthusiasm within scientific and research communities.
  • The rebranding of the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ to ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan’ underscores the emphasis on research and innovation for national development.

Current R&D Funding Landscape in India

  • GERD Growth: India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has shown significant growth from ₹6,01,968 million in 2010-11 to ₹12,73,810 million in 2020-21.
  • Low R&D Investment as Percentage of GDP: India’s R&D investment as a percentage of GDP stands at 0.64%, lagging behind major economies like China (2.4%), Germany (3.1%), South Korea (4.8%), and the United States (3.5%).

Research Output and Innovation

  • Academic Talent: India annually produces 40,813 PhDs, ranking third globally after the United States and China.
  • Research Output: India ranks third globally with over 3,00,000 publications in 2022, showcasing a robust research ecosystem.
  • Patent Grants: India secured the sixth position globally with 30,490 patents granted in 2022, indicating an evolving innovation landscape.

Government Sector Dominance in R&D Funding

  • Primary Driver: Government sector contributes significantly to GERD, with the central government, State governments, HEIs, and public sector industry contributing substantially.
  • Key Agencies: Major scientific agencies like the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Department of Space, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Department of Atomic Energy receive substantial funding.

Private Sector Lag and HEIs Contribution

  • Private Sector Contribution: Private industries contribute only 37% of GERD in India, contrasting with global trends where business enterprises typically contribute over 65%.
  • HEIs Role: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) contribute 8.8% to R&D investment, indicating a minor role compared to other stakeholders.

Need for Stronger Industry-Academia Collaboration

  • Global Trends: Leading innovative economies emphasize strong industry-academia collaboration, driven by market forces and profit motives.
  • Indian Scenario: India’s R&D ecosystem could benefit from stronger industry-academia collaboration to foster innovation and knowledge transfer.

Impact of Initiatives

  • National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP): Signals a commitment to technological progress and innovation, incentivizing private sector engagement in R&D.
  • Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act: Aims to bridge the R&D investment gap and foster a robust research culture within HEIs, promising to elevate R&D spending in India.

Challenges and Future Prospects

  • Equitable Fund Distribution: Ensuring fair distribution of funds and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Global Standards: Upholding global standards in research and innovation.
  • Policy Implementation: Ensuring effective implementation of initiatives to encourage private sector-led research and innovation.

Conclusion

  • India’s commitment to bolstering its research and innovation ecosystem is evident through initiatives like the NDTSP and ANRF Act.
  • However, addressing challenges such as private sector involvement and equitable fund distribution is crucial to realizing the full potential of India’s R&D landscape.
  • With strategic planning and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, India can further strengthen its position as a global leader in research and innovation.

Higher engagement, better learning

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education The topic is crucial for UPSC as it addresses challenges in education, impacting social development and governance.
Context
  • The article discusses India’s persistent learning deficit despite high enrollment rates, emphasizing the need for active student engagement and practical teacher training to foster meaningful learning experiences and improve educational outcomes.

 Learning Deficit in India:

  • The Annual Status of Education Report 2023 reveals that while over 86.8% of individuals aged 14-18 are enrolled in educational institutions, one-fourth of them struggle to read a Class 2-level text fluently in regional languages.
  • Despite increased awareness, little progress has been made in addressing the learning deficit, with low attendance in public schools contributing to ineffective learning experiences.

Challenges in Classroom Engagement:

  • Classroom engagement remains a challenge in India due to traditional teaching methods that fail to motivate students or create meaningful learning environments.
  • Teachers often focus on a few students in the front rows, while others passively copy from the blackboard, leading to limited cognitive and emotional engagement.

Importance of Active Learning:

  • Active learning involves random student participation, peer collaboration, hands-on learning experiences, and real-time feedback from teachers.
  • This approach fosters student engagement, ownership of learning, and a supportive learning environment for all learners, regardless of background or ability.

Barriers to Implementing Active Learning:

  • Inadequate teacher allocation, systemic governance issues, outdated teaching practices, and lack of teacher support and coaching hinder the widespread adoption of active learning.
  • Teacher training in India tends to be theoretical, lacking practical experience and opportunities for engagement-based learning.

Addressing Teacher Training Needs:

  • Teacher education should prioritize practical experience, providing a balance of 70% practice and 30% theory to engage teachers as active learners themselves.
  • Additionally, ongoing coaching and support are essential to help teachers implement new teaching practices effectively.

Focusing on Student Engagement:

  • Student engagement is crucial for driving better learning outcomes, emphasizing structured lessons, high-quality teacher-student relationships, and student autonomy.
  • Simple changes in classroom techniques can significantly improve the learning environment and outcomes.

Shifting Focus to the Right to Learning:

  • While discussions have centred on the Right to Education, it’s essential to shift focus to the Right to Learning, ensuring meaningful educational experiences for all students.
  • Addressing the learning deficit requires a holistic approach that prioritizes student engagement and active learning practices.

Conclusion:

  • In summary, addressing the learning deficit in India requires overcoming challenges in classroom engagement and prioritizing active learning approaches.
  • This involves providing practical teacher training, ongoing support, and creating supportive learning environments that foster student engagement and ownership of learning.
  • Shifting focus to the Right to Learning will be essential for ensuring meaningful educational experiences and driving better learning outcomes for all students.
Lack of Quality Education in Indian Schools
Reasons for Lack of Quality Education in Indian Schools:

  • Infrastructure Deficiency: Many schools lack basic facilities such as proper classrooms, libraries, and sanitation facilities.
  • Teacher Shortage: There is a significant shortage of trained and qualified teachers, leading to overcrowded classrooms and poor student-teacher ratios.
  • Low Teacher Training: Insufficient training and professional development for teachers result in ineffective teaching methods and outdated pedagogical approaches.
  • Curriculum Challenges: Outdated curriculum content and teaching methods fail to engage students and meet the demands of a modern workforce.
  • Socio-economic Disparities: Disparities in access to education, especially in rural areas and among marginalized communities, exacerbate the problem.

Way Forward to Improve Quality Education:

  • Investment in Infrastructure: Government investment in school infrastructure to ensure adequate facilities for effective learning.
  • Teacher Training: Comprehensive training programs to equip teachers with modern teaching techniques and subject expertise.
  • Curriculum Reform: Regular review and updating of the curriculum to make it more relevant and engaging for students.
  • Technology Integration: Incorporating technology in education to enhance teaching methods and provide access to digital resource
  • Community Involvement: Engaging parents, communities, and local stakeholders in the education process to foster a supportive learning environment.

India’s free trade pact with four EU nations matters even if gains are limited

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests The topic is crucial for UPSC as it assesses India’s trade policy shifts and implications on economic growth and diplomacy.
Context
  • The article discusses India’s recent Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), highlighting its benefits, significance, and inclusion of non-trade issues.

Introduction:

  • India signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
  • Negotiations had started in 2008 but gained momentum after the UPA government’s exit, aiming to boost trade, investment, and job creation.

Benefits for Indian Services Firms:

  • The TEPA offers Indian services firms easier access to European markets, with simplified visa rules, benefiting professionals like architects, accountants, and nurses.
  • It aims to attract $100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) into India and create a million jobs over 15 years.

Tariff Reductions and Consumer Benefits:

  • Most Indian goods exports already receive duty-free treatment in Switzerland, the largest EFTA trade partner.
  • Indian consumers can expect cheaper imports like wines and chocolates, while producers gain access to more affordable machinery.

Long-Term Impact and Assessment:

  • India’s tariff cuts are tied to investment inflows, with a comprehensive assessment of outcomes expected after 20 years.
  • Continuous efforts from both sides are essential to achieve the stated goals.

Significance of the EFTA Deal:

  • The swift conclusion of the EFTA deal reflects India’s commitment to expanding its trade partnerships, following agreements with the UAE and Australia.
  • It signifies a departure from past hesitancy in engaging in trade pacts and demonstrates India’s willingness to embrace free trade.

Inclusion of Non-Trade Issues:

  • The TEPA includes non-trade issues such as labour, human rights, environment, and gender, marking a significant departure from traditional economic agreements.
  • While the necessity of including these issues in trade deals may be debated, it signals India’s willingness to address broader concerns, potentially enhancing its relations with allies like the EU.

Conclusion:

  • The TEPA with the EFTA marks a significant milestone in India’s trade policy, aiming to boost economic growth, investment, and job creation.
  • Its inclusion of non-trade issues signals India’s evolving stance on free trade and its willingness to engage in comprehensive agreements for mutual benefit.
India’s hesitancy in engaging in trade pacts and willingness to embrace free trade
Reasons for India’s Hesitancy:

  • Protectionism: Historical protectionist policies to safeguard domestic industries.
  • Agricultural Concerns: Fear of cheap imports impacting livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
  • Industrial Competitiveness: Concerns about domestic industries’ ability to compete globally.
  • Regional Disparities: Fear of exacerbating economic disparities between regions.
  • Geopolitical Considerations: Strategic concerns influencing trade alliances.

Impact of Hesitancy:

  • Limited Growth: Hindered integration into global supply chains, limiting economic growth potential.
  • Missed Opportunities: Failure to capitalize on potential gains from trade agreements.
  • Deteriorating Competitiveness: Reduced exposure to global competition may harm domestic industries in the long run.
  • Stifled Innovation: Limited exposure to global markets may hinder innovation and technological advancement.
  • Isolationism Risks: Risk of being marginalized in global trade dynamics, affecting diplomatic and economic relations.

Recent Steps by the Indian Government:

  • Trade Policy Review: The government initiated a comprehensive review of trade policies to align with emerging global trade dynamics and domestic economic priorities.
  • Bilateral Agreements: Focus on negotiating bilateral trade agreements with key partners like the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom to explore mutually beneficial trade opportunities.
  • Export Promotion Schemes: Introduction of export promotion schemes and incentives to boost outbound trade and enhance competitiveness in global markets.
  • Domestic Reforms: Implementation of structural reforms to enhance ease of doing business, promote manufacturing, and attract foreign investment.

Way Forward:

  • Balanced Approach: Striking a balance between protecting domestic industries and embracing free trade to leverage opportunities for economic growth.
  • Diversification: Diversifying export markets and products to reduce dependence on specific regions and sectors.
  • Capacity Building: Investing in infrastructure, technology, and skill development to enhance competitiveness in global trade.
  • Stakeholder Consultation: Engaging with stakeholders, including industry associations and trade experts, to formulate inclusive trade policies.
  • Adaptive Strategy: Continuously adapting trade policies to evolving global economic dynamics while addressing domestic socio-economic challenges.

The suitable citizen

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this analysis provides insights into the dynamics of policymaking, highlighting the nuances of citizenship laws and their impact on governance.
Context:
  • The enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Rules following the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019 underscores a political landscape characterized by cynicism and credulity among rulers and their supporters.
  • This analysis delves into the progression of this issue, highlighting key aspects that shape the current state of affairs.

The Citizenship Amendment Act: A Selective Narrative:

  • The government justified the CAA as addressing the plight of persecuted refugees from neighboring countries residing in India, seemingly offering them a pathway to citizenship. However, the act cynically downplayed crucial facts.
  • Firstly, it wasn’t necessary for granting refugees citizenship, and secondly, its focus on religion-based persecution raises inconsistencies and excludes Muslims.
  • By setting a cutoff date of 2014, it strategically signals exclusion of Muslims and introduces a religion-based differentiation in citizenship treatment.

Alignment with the NRC: Ideological Convergence:

  • The alignment of the CAA with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) presents a larger, ominous project.
  • The NRC-NCA pairing, as outlined by scholars, aims to create statelessness and detention centers for those deemed undesirable based on faith.
  • This alignment, particularly in states like Assam, stokes anxieties and fuels protests against the CAA, highlighting concerns about disenfranchisement.

Enacted Rules:

  • The newly enacted rules seemingly separate the CAA from the NRC, focusing on granting non-Muslim refugees a path to citizenship.
  • This strategic move temporarily allays fears of discrimination while potentially shifting the burden of proof onto Muslims.
  • By emphasizing positive aspects and limiting the scope of the rules, the government aims to neutralize protests and legal challenges.

Implications and Challenges:

  • While the rules may symbolically reinforce the government’s pro-Hindu stance, they also introduce complexities in citizenship determination.
  • The limited scope of the rules defuses immediate protests but leaves civil society vigilant about the broader project of citizenship transformation.
  • Despite limitations, protests like Shaheen Bagh highlight the constitutional arguments against the CAA and NRC, albeit with challenges of garnering widespread support and countering state narratives.

Conclusion:

  • The enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Rules reflects a calculated manoeuvre by the government to advance its agenda while navigating constitutional constraints and public dissent.
  • While the rules may temporarily quell protests, civil society must remain vigilant against potential disenfranchisement and the gradual transformation of Indian citizenship.
                                   Who are ‘Citizens’?
  • Citizens are full members of the Indian State and owe allegiance to it. They enjoy all civil and political rights.

Constitutional Provisions for Citizenship:

  • The Constitution deals with citizenship from article 5 to 11 under Part II.
  • Indian citizenship can be acquired by birth, descent, registration, naturalisation or by incorporation of territory.

Citizenship by Naturalisation:

  • According to the Citizenship Act, of 1955, the Citizenship of India by naturalisation can be acquired by a foreigner (not being an illegal migrant) who is ordinarily resident in India for twelve years (throughout twelve months immediately preceding the date of application and for eleven years in the aggregate in the fourteen years).
  • The CAA 2019 reduced this requirement of 11 years to five years.

The Court’s trajectory

Topic: GS2 – Polity – Judiciary This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this analysis provides insights into the Supreme Court’s role as a check on government power, highlighting its significance in upholding democratic principles and constitutional values.
Context:
  • The recent judgment by the Supreme Court on the electoral bonds scheme marks a notable departure from a trend of decisions seemingly favoring the central government.
  • This decision stands as a significant milestone in the court’s role as the custodian of constitutional values and liberties, prompting a critical analysis of its trajectory in safeguarding democratic principles.

Historical Admiration and Taint: Legacy of Judicial Independence:

  • For decades, the Indian Supreme Court enjoyed global admiration for its resilience against executive power, particularly evident during the Emergency era.
  • However, even the longest-serving Chief Justice, Justice Y V Chandrachud, expressed regret for not upholding constitutional principles during that period, reflecting a stain on the court’s otherwise illustrious history.

Erosion of Vigilance: Challenges to Judicial Independence:

  • Despite early victories for judicial independence, such as quashing the 2014 constitutional amendment aimed at judicial appointments, the Supreme Court gradually veered towards accommodating executive overreach.
  • Instances such as the validation of the Aadhaar Act as a money bill and reluctance to examine petitions challenging government actions signaled a weakening of the court’s vigilance against executive encroachment.

Internal Discord and Institutional Weaknesses: Challenges from Within:

  • Internal dissent within the Supreme Court, exemplified by a public criticism against Justice Misra’s tenure, highlighted institutional weaknesses.
  • Successive Chief Justices, including Justice Gogoi, faced scrutiny for perpetuating systemic issues, contributing to a broader erosion of the court’s independence.

A Series of Compromised Judgments: Judicial Evasion and Government Favor:

  • The trend of what scholar Gautam Bhatia termed “judicial evasion” became apparent, with the court dismissing critical petitions and upholding contentious government actions.
  • Decisions on issues such as the PM CARES Fund, demonetization, and the abolition of Article 370 drew criticism for their perceived alignment with government interests.

Electoral Bonds: A Turning Point?

  • The recent decision on electoral bonds signifies a potential reversal of the court’s trajectory, signaling a renewed commitment to constitutional principles.
  • However, its long-term impact remains uncertain, raising questions about the court’s ability to maintain its newfound independence in future cases.

Conclusion:

  • The Supreme Court’s decision on electoral bonds serves as a beacon of hope for preserving judicial independence in India.
  • However, amidst a backdrop of compromised judgments and institutional challenges, the court faces a daunting task in reaffirming its role as a guardian of democratic values against state transgression.
  • Only time will tell whether the court can sustain its commitment to constitutional principles in the face of mounting pressures.
On judges and bureaucrats joining politics

Why in news?

  • Recently a Calcutta High Court judge and a senior IPS officer in West Bengal resigned from their posts and joined political parties. This has brought up concerns about whether it’s right for constitutional authorities and government officials to join political parties after they leave their jobs.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Constitutional restrictions
  • Restrictions on gaining the political posts
  • Various recommendations and cooling off period
  • Argument against cooling off period

Existing Constitutional restrictions

  • Rationale – principle of checks and balance
    • The Constitution works on the principle of checks and balance between various organs. The executive is accountable to the legislature.
    • An independent judiciary keeps a check on both these branches of the State.
    • There are also other independent bodies like the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, CAG who are required to perform their constitutional duties without any interference from the government.
    • The independence of these institutions is ensured through guaranteeing fixed tenure, financial independence, stringent removal procedure and restrictions after demitting office.
  • Existing constitutional restrictions
    • A judge of a Supreme Court after ceasing to hold office cannot appear as a lawyer before any court or authority in India.
    • A judge of a High Court has similar restrictions except for appearance before the Supreme Court or other High Courts.
    • The CAG and the chairman/members of the Public Service Commission cannot take up any other employment with Central or State governments after demitting office.
    • These restrictions are laid down to avoid favouritism, during the period of holding such positions, towards the government in power with an intent of securing any post-retirement benefit.

Restrictions on gaining political posts

  • No such restrictions
    • There are no restrictions when it comes to joining political parties, contesting elections or being nominated to certain posts.
    • There are notable instances of persons who held independent constitutional posts and later went on to join politics or were nominated to various posts.
  • Examples
    • There have been two Supreme Court judges in 1967 and 1983, who resigned from their posts to contest the presidential and parliamentary elections from Assam, respectively.
    • Another Supreme Court judge joined a political party in Tamil Nadu and contested elections five years after his retirement in 1999.
    • A former Chief Election Commissioner became a Rajya Sabha member and Minister in 2004, three years after his retirement.
    • Recently, a retired Chief Justice of India was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2020 within four months of his retirement.
    • There have also been occasions where retired CAG and judges have been appointed as Governors of States.
    • Numerous bureaucrats have also joined political parties and contested elections after resigning from service or soon after their retirement.

Various recommendations and cooling off period

  • The Election Commission (EC) had in 2012 recommended to the Union government to provide for a cooling-off period for top bureaucrats after their retirement before they could join political parties and contest elections.
  • However, the Government had rejected this recommendation based on the opinion of the Attorney General that this may not be in line with constitutional provisions and democratic values.
  • The Supreme Court had dismissed a writ petition in May 2022 that sought a direction from the top court to the legislature to frame a law imposing a cooling-off period for retired bureaucrats before joining politics.
    • The court observed that it is for the legislature to determine whether a cooling-off period is required for bureaucrats before they join politics after retirement.

Arguments against the colling off period

  • One of the essential features of a democracy is every citizen’s right to contest elections.
  • The Attorney General while providing his opinion against the 2012 recommendation of EC had said that maintenance of independence and neutrality will be relevant during the period a person is in service.
  • There are rules at present which restrict a senior bureaucrat from joining a private job for at least one year after he or she retires from government service.
  • Such restriction for commercial employment is based on intelligible differentia to avoid conflicts of interest.
  • However, such a restriction against officials contesting polls may not be a valid classification and would not be in harmony with democratic principles in the Constitution.

Conclusion

  • Justice should not only be done but should also be seen to be done. This applies equally to judges, independent constitutional authorities and senior bureaucrats. Extending this principle even after they demit office will have a salutary effect. This may be achieved by prescribing a cooling-off period for joining political parties or being nominated to political posts by the government. This will instil confidence in the public at large and negate any allegation of quid pro quo.
Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ)

Why in news?

  • PM Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal for credit support to entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections of society virtually.
  • The PM also distributed Ayushman Health Cards, and Personal Protective Equipment to Safai Mitras under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal
  • National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme

Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal

  • About
    • The portal will act as a one-stop point where people from disadvantaged sections of society can apply for and monitor the progress of all loan and credit schemes already available to them.
    • This initiative will help in providing financial assistance directly to beneficiaries, eliminating middlemen and commissions.
    • It aims at uplifting the most marginalised segments of society.
  • Implementing agency: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and its departments.
  • Previous efforts
    • To achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 , it is necessary to ensure that facilities available to others like gas connection, bank accounts & toilets are available to Dalits, backwards, deprived and tribals.
    • The Government is making all possible efforts to empower the SC, ST and OBC communities.
      • The assistance provided to them by various institutions has been doubled in the last 10 years.
      • The government has provided almost one lakh 60 thousand crore rupees for the welfare of the SC community this year alone.
      • Other measures include:
        • reservation of 27% seats for the OBC in the all-India quota of medical seats,
        • greater opportunities for OBC students in NEET examinations,
        • support through the National Overseas Scholarship for underprivileged students pursuing Master and PhD degrees abroad.
      • Keeping in mind the entrepreneurship among Dalits, the government has launched the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission.

NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme

  • Objective
    • To ensure safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India as well as providing sustainable livelihood to these workers.
  • Ministries involved
    • It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
  • Implementing agency
    • National Safai Karamchari Financial Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
  • Coverage
    • Five hundred cities (converging with AMRUT cities) will be taken up under this phase of NAMASTE. It will be implemented for the period 2022-26.
  • Aims
    • Zero fatalities in sanitation work in India
    • All sanitation work is performed by skilled workers
    • No sanitation workers come in direct contact with human faecal matter
    • Sanitation workers are collectivized into SHGs and are empowered to run sanitation enterprises
    • All Sewer and Septic tank sanitation workers (SSWs) have access to alternative livelihoods
  • Components of the scheme
    • Extending Insurance Scheme Benefits
      • These workers and their families will be covered under the Ayushyaman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
      • The premium for AB-PMJAY for those identified SSWs families who are not covered earlier shall be borne under NAMASTE.
    • Livelihood Assistance
      • The Action Plan will promote mechanization and enterprise development.
      • Identified SSWs and their dependants will be given counselling on available livelihood choices and an opportunity to acquire alternative skills, if they so desire.
      • An SSW may choose to continue working in the sanitation sector, thereby becoming eligible for receiving capacity building training.
      • Alternatively, the worker may choose to explore an alternative livelihood option or an entrepreneurial venture.
      • The identified SSWs and their family members will be extended benefits of all the social security schemes.
    • Other assistance
      • Capital subsidies of up to ₹5 lakh on sanitation machinery costing up to ₹15 lakh and interest subsidies on loans.
      • Interest rates will be capped between 4-6% for the beneficiaries.
      • The scheme also provides for training the workers in the use of these machines, during which time a stipend of up to ₹3,000 per month will be provided.
India’s First Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor begins ‘Core Loading’

Why in the News?

  • The vital second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme got a boost with the commencement of ‘core loading’ at the country’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, earlier this month.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Core Loading and its Significance
  • India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme (History, 3-Stages, Significance, etc.)

Core Loading:

  • About
    • In a nuclear reactor, core loading is the process of loading nuclear fuel assemblies into the reactor core.
    • The fuel assemblies comprise fuel rods that contain fissile material, such as enriched uranium or plutonium, which undergoes nuclear fission to produce heat.
    • And a fast breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that is designed to produce more fissile material (such as Plutonium-239) than it consumes during operation.
    • It achieves this by using fast neutrons to convert non-fissile isotopes (such as Uranium-238) into fissile isotopes (such as Plutonium-239).
    • This process is known as “breeding” because it creates more fissile material than is initially loaded into the reactor.
  • Capacity of PFBR in Tamil Nadu
    • India’s prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) in Tamil Nadu has a capacity of 500 Megawatt electric (MWe).
    • It was designed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research and constructed by BHAVINI.
      • Short for Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited, BHAVINI was established in 2003 to build and operate the PFBR.
  • Significance
    • PFBR is considered a precursor to future fast breeder reactors (FBRs).
    • After the core loading is completed, the Kalpakkam PFBR reactor will undergo the first approach to criticality, leading to power generation.
    • Once it becomes operational, India will be only the second country after Russia to have a commercial operating fast breeder reactor.
    • The latest development symbolises India’s entry into the crucial second stage of the country’s three-stage nuclear programme.

India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme:

  • India’s three-stage nuclear power programme was formulated by Dr Homi Bhabha to secure the country’s long term energy independence.
  • The ultimate focus of the programme is on enabling the thorium reserves of India to be utilised in meeting the country’s energy requirements.
    • Thorium is particularly attractive for India, as India has only around 1–2% of the global uranium reserves, but one of the largest shares of global thorium reserves at about 25% of the world’s known thorium reserves.
    • Thorium is found in the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India.
  • Dr Homi Bhabha, therefore, devised a three-stage nuclear power programme to make the most of India’s limited uranium reserves and abundant thorium reserves.
  • Each stage of the programme has fuel cycle linkages.
    • This means that spent fuel from one stage is reprocessed to obtain fuel for the next stage — there is little to no wastage.
  • Ultimately, the goal is to generate nuclear power while ensuring long-term energy security.

3-Stages of India’s Nuclear Programme:

  • The three stages are:
    • Pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium as fuel:
      • The first stage involves using natural uranium in PHWRs to multiply domestically available fissile resources.
      • Natural uranium consists of 0.7 per cent Uranium-235, which undergoes fission to release energy.
      • The remaining 99.3 per cent is Uranium-238, which is not fissile but can be converted into the fissile element Plutonium-239 in a nuclear reactor.
    • FBRs using plutonium as fuel:
      • In the second stage, plutonium from the spent fuel of PHWRs is used in FBRs, such as the one at Kalpakkam which saw the initiation of core loading on 4 March.
      • FBRs are fuelled by a mixed oxide of Uranium-238 and Plutonium-239, which is recovered by reprocessing the spent fuel from the first stage.
      • In FBRs, Plutonium-239 undergoes fission, producing energy and more Plutonium-239 through the transmutation of Uranium-238.
      • This process allows FBRs to produce energy and additional fuel, which is why they are termed “breeders.” FBRs generate more fuel than they consume.
      • Over time, a stockpile of plutonium can be built up by introducing Uranium-238 into the reactor.
    • Advanced reactors using Uranium-233 as fuel in a thorium-uranium cycle:
      • Once enough nuclear capacity is built, the third stage will involve using thorium, which will be converted into Uranium-233 in FBRs.
      • Thorium-232, which is abundant in India, is not fissile. Therefore, it needs to be converted into a fissile material, Uranium-233, through transmutation in an FBR.
      • Significant commercial use of thorium can only begin when there are abundant supplies of either Uranium-233 or plutonium.
      • The conversion from thorium to uranium is planned to be achieved in the second stage of the programme, which involves the commercial operation of FBRs.

When Will India Achieve 3 Stages of the Nuclear Programme?

  • The third stage, utilising thorium as an energy source, is expected to be reached in a few decades.
  • To prepare for the use of thorium in the third stage of the programme, efforts are currently underway to develop and demonstrate the necessary technology.
  • This is being done so that a mature technology for thorium utilisation will be ready in time.
  • The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is developing a 300 MWe advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR).
  • The AHWR is an innovative concept that serves as a bridge between the first and third stages of the nuclear programme.
  • It aims to advance thorium utilisation without going through the second stage.

Significance of Nuclear Energy Generated through 3-Stage Programme:

  • Just like with uranium, generating electricity from thorium produces no greenhouse gases, making it a clean energy source.
  • Thorium reactors are also more cost-effective than conventional reactors.
  • Nobel laureate Carlo Rubbia estimates that a tonne of thorium could produce as much energy as 200 tonnes of uranium or 4 million tonnes of coal. As a result, far less nuclear waste is generated.
  • Importantly, the waste from thorium reactors contains no isotopes with a half-life beyond 35 years, significantly reducing the required storage time.
  • Harnessing thorium for India’s energy needs presents many economic opportunities.
    • The availability of affordable electricity could drive a transition away from gas, petrol, and diesel for cooking and transportation.
    • Additionally, nuclear energy could alleviate the pressure on the railways by reducing the need to transport millions of tons of coal, potentially reducing the necessity for service expansion.
  • The three-stage nuclear programme is expected to make India completely self-sufficient in nuclear energy.
Boosting Exports from MSMEs in India

Why in News?

  • Recently, the Niti Aayog has released a report on boosting exports from Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • According to the report, the government must make it easier for smaller firms to export their goods through e-commerce platforms, establish a single national trade portal for all approvals and compliances, etc.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • MSMEs in India
  • Exports from MSMEs in India
  • NITI Aayog Recommendations to Boost MSME Exports from India

MSMEs in India:

  • MSMEs are often called the powerhouse of the Indian economy as they contribute significantly to employment generation, exports, and overall economic growth.
  • They reportedly account for more than 11 crore jobs and contribute around 27.0% of India’s GDP.
  • The sector consists of around 6.4 crore MSMEs, with 1.5 crore of them registered on the Udyam portal and employs around 23.0% of the Indian labour force, making it the 2nd-largest employer in India after agriculture.
  • They account for 38.4% of the total manufacturing output and contribute 45.03% of the country’s total exports.

Exports from MSMEs in India:

  • Exports represent an enormous and under-utilised opportunity for the MSME sector. Sectors where Indian MSMEs can participate and compete in export markets include –
    • Handicrafts, handloom textiles, ayurveda and herbal supplements, leather goods, imitation jewellery and wooden products.
  • Globally, these sectors constitute substantial markets exceeding USD 340 billion, whereas their domestic market is considerably smaller.
  • Over time, small firms have encountered difficulties in tapping into export markets due to the inherent obstacles posed by economies of scale.
  • It proves more challenging for small enterprises to –
    • Enter foreign markets,
    • Adhere to compliance requirements,
    • Achieve cost-effective production, and
    • Efficiently manage logistics for clients.

NITI Aayog Recommendations to Boost MSME Exports from India:

  • Create One Stop Information Channel for Exporters:
    • India has several portals that help exporters access information, most of which offer incomplete or outdated information.
    • Therefore, creating a one stop information data intelligence portal using Al based interface will be essential to impart information to MSMEs.
  • Create National Trade Network (NTN) as Comprehensive Trade Portal:
    • Currently an exporter needs to navigate multiple portals to get necessary approvals. This includes the documentation for licences, etc.
    • This difficulty can be eliminated by creating an end-to-end NTN which will provide seamless experience to exporters including answering queries and resolution of any gaps in paperwork.
  • Promote E-commerce Exports:
    • While China exported $200 billion worth of goods through e-commerce in 2022, India exported only $2 billion.
    • A key reason for this gap is the cumbersome compliance process associated with exports, especially when it comes to payment reconciliation, which is particularly challenging for new or small exporters.
    • To boost e-commerce exports, it is essential to create distinction between Exporter on Record (EOR) and Seller on Record (SOR), exempt import duties on rejects/ returns, etc.
  • Promote Ease of Merchandise Exports:
    • While the government has placed high emphasis on improving Ease of Doing Business, it should be extended to export processes, particularly targeted at MSME exporters.
    • For example, MSMEs can be offered relaxation from certain compliance requirements for a period and forgiven on errors as they begin to learn requirements of export markets.
  • Improve Access to Export Finance: Access to finance is regularly seen as a key bottleneck for MSMEs. Towards this end, promotion of Export Credit Guarantee can help improve working capital availability for MSMEs.
  • Ensure Accurate Measurement:
    • Currently, a dependable single data source for MSME exports is lacking.
    • Establishing a reliable depiction of MSME exports involves integrating DGFT trade data with GST and income tax data.
    • This fusion of datasets, utilising PAN numbers as the common identifier, will provide an accurate portrayal of MSME exports.


Headlines of the Day 14-03-2024

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Headlines of the Day 14-03-2024

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Mint, AIR

Headline Source Syllabus Key points to know
Hyderabad Liberation Day AIR History – What is the significance of the Hyderabad Liberation Day?
– What is Operation Polo?
Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 PIB Environment  – What are the key facts related to the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024?
– Its significance
Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar to be officially called ‘Ahilyanagar’ The HIndu History and Culture – What is the history of Ahmednagar?
– Key facts related to Ahilyabai Holkar
Niti Aayog suggests easing e-commerce route for MSME exports The Hindu Economy – What is the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)?
– Its significance for Indian economy
– Concerns associated with it and the way forward
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary The Hindu Environment – What are the key facts related to the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary?
Appointment of EC: Supreme Court to hear plea to bring CJI back in selection committee The Hindu Polity and Governance – How Election Commissioners (ECs) are appointed in India?
– What are the concerns associated with the “Chief Election Commission and other Election Commissions (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023”?
– Way forward
President approves Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill The Hindu / Indian Express Polity and Governance – What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
– What are the key provisions of the Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill?
European Union approved the 27-nation bloc’s artificial intelligence law Indian Express Cyber Security – Recently, the EU approved artificial intelligence law. What are its key provisions? 
– Its significance and the way forward
India’s FBR programme Indian Express Science and Tech – What are the key facts related to India’s FBR programme? 
Pi Day Indian Express Miscellaneous – What is the significance of Pi Day?
– Key facts related to it



Current Affairs – 13 March 2024

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Current Affairs – 13 March 2024

Graphics Processing Unit

As the world rushes to make use of the latest wave of AI technologies, one piece of high-tech hardware has become a surprisingly hot commodity: the graphics processing unit, or GPU.

About Graphics Processing Unit:

  • It is a computer chip that renders graphics and images by performing rapid mathematical calculations. GPUs are used for both professional and personal computing. Originally, GPUs were responsible for the rendering of 2D and 3D images, animations and video.
  • Like a central processing unit (CPU), a GPU is also a chip component in computing devices. One important difference, though, is that the GPU is specifically designed to handle and accelerate graphics workloads and display graphics content on a device such as a PC or smartphone.
  • A typical modern CPU is made up of between 8 and 16 “cores”, each of which can process complex tasks in a sequential manner.
  • GPUs, on the other hand, have thousands of relatively small cores, which are designed to all work at the same time (“in parallel”) to achieve fast overall processing.
  • This makes them well suited for tasks that require a large number of simple operations which can be done at the same time, rather than one after another.

How does a GPU work?

  • GPUs work by using a method called parallel processing, where multiple processors handle separate parts of a single task.
  • A GPU will also have its own RAM to store the data it is processing. This RAM is designed specifically to hold the large amounts of information coming into the GPU for highly intensive graphics use cases.
  • For graphics applications, the CPU sends instructions to the GPU for drawing the graphics content on screen.
  • The GPU executes the instructions in parallel and at high speeds to display the content on the device — a process known as the graphics or rendering pipeline.

Applications

  • GPUs are now used for creative content production, video editing, high performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI).
  • GPUs were developed as a way to offload those tasks from CPUs for graphics applications.
  • It performs graphics-related calculations very quickly and in parallel to allow for fast and smooth rendering of content on the computer screen.

Exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’

The Prime Minister recently witnessed the tri-service exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

About Exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’:

  • It is an integrated tri-service exercise conducted at Pokhran, Rajasthan, showcasing the prowess of indigenously manufactured defence equipment across the three services.
  • The exercise involves showcasing the calibrated tactical employment of niche technology in a tri-services environment against perceived threats.
  • The exercise displays an array of indigenous weapon systems and platforms, premised on the nation’s Aatmanirbharata initiative.
  • It will also simulate realistic, synergised, multi-domain operations displaying the integrated operational capabilities of the Indian armed forces to counter threats across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.
  • It features indigenous weapon systems: T-90 (IM) Tanks, Dhanush and Sarang Gun Systems, Akash Weapons Systems, Logistics Drones, Robotic Mules.
  • The Indian Navy displays Naval Anti-Ship Missiles, Autonomous Cargo Carrying Aerial Vehicles, and Expendable Aerial Targets.
  • The Indian Air Force showcases indigenous aircraft: Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Utility Helicopters, and Advanced Light Helicopters.

Directorate General of Foreign Trade

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has granted an exemption to the import of certain goods from quality control orders (QCOs) under the advance authorisation scheme.

About Directorate General of Foreign Trade:

  • It is a government organization in India responsible for the formulation of exim guidelines and principles for Indian importers and Indian exporters of the country.
  • Before 1991, DGFT was known as the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports (CCI&E). It is an attached office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and is headed by Director General of Foreign Trade.
  • It has been assigned the role of “facilitator”. It is responsible for implementing the Foreign Trade Policy or Exim Policy with the main objective of promoting Indian exports.
  • The DGFT also issues scrips/authorization to exporters and monitors their corresponding obligations through a network of 24 regional offices.
  • Functions:
    • To implement the Exim Policy or Foreign Trade Policy of India by introducing various schemes and guidelines through its network of dgft regional offices thought-out the country.
    • To Grant Exporter Importer Code Number to Indian Exporter and Importers. IEC Number is a unique 10 digit code required by the traders or manufacturers for the purpose of import and export in India.
    • It permits or regulate Transit of Goods from India or to countries adjacent to India in accordance with the bilateral treaties between India and other countries.
    • To promote trade with neighboring countries.
    • To grant the permission of free export in Export Policy Schedule 2.
    • Setting standard input-output norms is also controlled by the DGFT.
  • Headquarter: New Delhi

Kochrab Ashram

The Prime Minister inaugurated the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, recently to mark the 94th anniversary of the Dandi March.

About Kochrab Ashram:

  • It was the first ashram founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, following his return to India from South Africa. It is located in Kochrab village, situated on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
  • It was called Satyagraha Ashram based on his ideas of achieving India’s independence from British rule through peaceful methods.
  • Establishment:
    • Gopal Krishna Gokhale requested Mahatma Gandhi to return to India, which needed his skills as a community organizer.
    • Mahatma Gandhi began his association with Ahmedabad after returning to India from South Africa. About his decision to settle in Ahmedabad in 1915, Gandhi wrote that, as a Gujarati, he should be able to serve the country best through the Gujarati language.
    • On 20th of May, 1915, Gandhi began living in a bungalow in Kochrab village. The bungalow, which he soon rechristened as the Satyagraha Ashram, was given to him by his fellow lawyer and colleague, Jeevanlal Desai.
  • Mahatma Gandhi based himself here for about one-and-a-half years before moving to the new campus of Sabarmati Ashram. It is a colonial-style building with a white-washed façade.

KIRTI Programme

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports inaugurated the unique Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme.

About KIRTI Programme:

  • It is aimed at school children between nine and 18 years age group.
  • The nation-wide scheme will have two main objectives:
    • To hunt talent from every nook and corner of the country and
    • To use sports as a tool to curb addiction towards drugs and other gadgetry distractions.
  • KIRTI aims to conduct 20 lakh assessments across the country throughout the year to identify talent through notified Talent Assessment Centres.
  • KIRTI made a solid launch across 50 centres in India. Fifty thousand applicants are being assessed in the first phase across 10 sports, including athletics, boxing, wrestling, hockey, football and wrestling.
  • KIRTI’s athlete-centric programme is conspicuous by its transparent selection methodology based on Information Technology.
  • Data analytics based on Artificial Intelligence is being used to predict the sporting acumen in an aspiring athlete.

What is Khelo India Scheme?

  • It is the flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
  • It aims at infusing sports culture and achieving sporting excellence in the country thus allowing the populace to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence.
  • Under the “Sports Competitions and Talent Development” vertical of the Khelo India Scheme, the “Talent Identification and Development” component is dedicated to working towards the identification and development of athletes at the grassroots and elite levels to develop the sports ecosystem in the country.

Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024

The Central Government recently rolled out a Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) for pharmaceutical companies.

About UCPMP 2024:

  • It has been implemented to control unethical practices in the pharma industry.
  • The updated guidelines include drug endorsement, promotion, ethical conduct for medical representatives, and maintaining relationships with healthcare professionals.
  • Important Provisions:
    • It prohibits pharma companies from offering gifts and travel facilities to healthcare professionals or their family members.
    • The UCPMP mandates that medical representatives must not employ any inducement or subterfuge to gain an interview, and they must not pay, under any guise, for access to a healthcare professional.
    • It also holds companies responsible for the actions of the medical representatives.
    • It also bans the supply of free samples to those who are not qualified to prescribe such a product.
    • Each pharma company also needs to maintain details such as product name, doctor name, the number of samples given, date of supply of free samples to healthcare practitioners, etc., and the monetary value of samples so distributed should not exceed two percent of the company’s domestic sales per year.
    • All pharmaceutical associations must constitute an Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMP), set up a dedicated UCPMP portal on their website, and take further necessary steps towards the implementation of this Code.
    • It also lists in detail how the drug should be promoted, both in texts and in the audio-visual market.
    • The information about drugs must be balanced, up-to-date, and verifiable, and must not mislead either directly or by implication.
    • The pharma companies should not make claims and comparisons of their drug’s usefulness, and the word “safe” must not be used without qualification.
    • The word “new” must not be used to describe any drug which has been generally available or any therapeutic intervention which has been generally promoted in India for more than a year.
    • The responsibility for adherence to the code rests with the Chief Executive Officer of pharmaceutical companies.
    • It also detailed the penalties for violating the code and how complaints will be handled.
    • Any violations of the code will be addressed by the ECPMP, ensuring accountability and oversight.

Gorsam Kora Festival

The Gorsam Kora festival, symbolised the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan commenced on 7th March and concluded on 10th March this year.

About Gorsam Kora Festival:

  • It is held in Arunachal Pradesh’s Zeminthang Valley along the Nyanmjang Chu River.
  • History
    • This annual festival is held at Gorsam Chorten, a 93 feet tall Stupa, built during 13th century AD by a local monk- Lama Pradhar.
    • This is also the place where the 14th Dalai Lama had his first rest after fleeing from Tibet in 1959.
    • It features cultural performances and Buddhist rituals at the Gorsam Chorten, which is older than the Tawang Monastery.
  • Many devotees including large number of Bhutanese nationals visit during Gorsam Kora festival to celebrate the virtuous occasion during the last day of the first month of the Lunar calendar.
  • The festival featured a diverse array of events, including enthralling performances by local cultural troupes and by the Indian army bands, martial performances like Mallakhamb and Zanjh Pathaka.

Index of Industrial Production (IIP)

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation recently released the Quick Estimates of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for January 2024, revealing a growth of 3.8 percent.

About Index of Industrial Production (IIP):

  • It is one of the prime indicators of economic development for the measurement of trends in the behavior of industrial production over a period of time with reference to a chosen base year.
  • It is a short-term indicator measuring industrial growth until the actual result of detailed industrial surveys become available.
  • It indicates the relative change in physical production in the field of industries during a specified year as compared to the previous year.
  • It is computed and published by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, on a monthly basis.
  • Calculation:
    • The IIP is a quantum index, the production of items is expressed in physical terms. However, the unit of reporting in respect of certain items like machinery, machine tools, shipbuilding, etc. is in value terms.
    • It is compiled as a simple weighted arithmetic mean of production relatives by using Laspeyre’s formula. 
    • In order to remove the effect of price rises from the index, the production figures of such items are deflated on the basis of Wholesale Price Indices (Base 2011-12), compiled by the Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, before the compilation of the index.
  • Base Year:
    • The base year is always given a value of 100.
    • The current base year for the IIP series in India is 2011-12.
    • So, if the current IIP reads as 116, it means that there has been 16% growth compared to the base year.

What is Laspeyre’s formula?

  • It was proposed by German economist Étienne Laspeyres (1834–1913) for measuring current prices or quantities in relation to those of a selected base period.
  • It is computed by taking the ratio of the total cost of purchasing a specified group of commodities at current prices to the cost of that same group at base-period prices and multiplying by 100.
  • The base-period index number is thus 100, and periods with higher price levels have index numbers greater than 100.

Hyodol Robot

South Korean company Hyodol has come up with a way to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to beat loneliness among elders with dementia.

Why in news?

  • The South Korean government is reported to have deployed around 7,000 Hyodol dolls to keep senior citizens ‘company’ and remind them to take medications. Loneliness among senior citizens is a growing social issue in South Korea.

About Hyodol Robot:

  • It is an AI care robot that offers customised care for seniors. The robot does this by relying on data collected by living and having conversations with them.
  • It can hold full conversations and it comes with a companion app and web monitoring platform for caretakers to monitor remotely. Besides, it comes with safety features that can raise an alert when no movement has been detected for a certain period of time.
  • It also comes with touch interaction, check-ins, a health coach, voice messages, 24-hour voice reminders, music, quizzes, exercise suggestions, and more.
  • Moreover, caregivers with access to the app will be able to send and receive voice messages, make group announcements, and monitor motion detection.
  • The robot also continuously monitors the health condition of its users through health Q&A two times a day. It collects verbal/nonverbal data for 24 hours from the users through AI.
  • Technology used:
    • The AI robot can hold conversations owing to the large language model that has been integrated into it.
    • The robots provide convenient and easily managed intelligent services for users and are easy to develop and debug.
    • Besides, the AI robot can be linked to smart home devices and comes with an interface for easy interactions for all users.

Gulf of Oman

China, Iran, and Russia recently began a joint naval drill in the Gulf of Oman.

About Gulf of Oman:

  • The Gulf of Oman, also known as the Gulf of Makran, is the western extension of the Arabian Sea and lies in the Middle East.
  • It forms the only entrance to the Persian Gulf from the Indian Ocean.
    • The Gulf connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then empties into the Persian Gulf.
  • Bordering Countries: It is bordered by Pakistan and Iran in the north; by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the west and by Oman in the south. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is located on the coast of the gulf. 
  • It is at its widest point between Cape al-Hadd in Oman and the Gwadar Bay on the Iran-Pakistan border. The gulf is relatively shallow because of its origin as a fissure in the mountain spine now divided between Iran and Oman. 
  • Some of the significant islands that are located in the Gulf of Oman include Sheytan Island, Al Fahal Island, Dimaniy at Islands, and the Sawadi Islands.
  • The major international shipping ports that are situated in the Gulf of Oman include Port Sultan Qaboos Muttrah in Muscat, Oman; Chabahar Port in Iran; the Port of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan Container Terminal in the UAE.
  • Roughly one-third of the world’s oil is exported via the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

Tripartite Agreement

The Centre recently signed a tripartite agreement with the Tripura government and the state’s main opposition party, the TIPRA Motha.

  • Aim – To address the long-pending demands of the state’s tribal population, including economic, political, land, linguistic and cultural rights.
  • Need – Tribals in Tripura became a minority due to non-tribals settling in large numbers and the concerns of illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

The wave of refugees led to a sharp change in demography in the state in 1948, the indigenous tribes accounted for over 80% of the population, now they are around 30%.

  • Demands – A ‘Greater Tipraland’, an area that includes the area currently under the Tripura Tribal Areas District Autonomous Council (TTADC) with places inhabited by the Tiprasa tribe outside the council areas.
  • It also wants the Roman script to be declared as the official script for the indigenous Kokborok language.
  • Tripartite Accord – It was agreed to amicably resolve all issues of indigenous people of Tripura relating to history, land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture and language.
  • Constitute a joint working group/ committee to work out and implement the mutually agreed points on all the above mentioned issues in a time-bound manner to ensure an honourable solution.
  • Refrain from resorting to any form of protest/ agitation by all stakeholders, starting from the day of signing of the agreement.
  • Limitation – It is silent about the demand for Greater Tipraland or greater autonomy over land to tribal councils.

The 6th Schedule of Indian Constitution relates to the administration of the tribal areas in Assam Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram through establishment of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).

Citizenship – Union List

Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal objected to implementation of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).

Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 aims to offers citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim minorities from Muslim-majority Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.

  • Citizenship – It is the status of a person recognized under law as being a legal member of a sovereign state or belonging to a nation.
  • Indian Constitution – Articles 5 – 11 of the Constitution deals with the concept of citizenship.
  • It entails the enjoyment of full membership of any State in which a citizen has civil and political rights.
  • Power of Union government – It is entitled with granting of citizenship.
  • ‘Citizenship, naturalisation and aliens’ figuring as entry no. 17 in the union list under the 7th Schedule.

The 7th Schedule has 3 lists namely, the Union list, state list, and concurrent list that show the division of power between the Union and States concerning certain subjects.

  • Article 256 of the Constitution – It talks about ‘Obligation of States and the Union’.
  • The executive power of every state shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that state.
  • The executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a state as may appear to the government of India to be necessary for that purpose.
  • Limited power of States – It would have no other option but to implement the law passed by the Parliament.
  • CAA Rules, 2024 – It envisages district level committee and state/UT level committee (Empowered committee), to verify documentation and take a final call on citizenship.
  • Both committees are packed with central government officers and state/UT concerned is represented by a sole invitee to each committee.
  • The Chair of both the committee are central government officers.
  • Since the quorum of both committees shall be 2 including the chair, it means the committees can do complete work without mandatorily involving the state representatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates India’s First Automobile In-Plant Railway Siding

In a historic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the inaugural automobile in-plant railway siding at Suzuki Motor Gujarat Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL). The ceremony, conducted via video conferencing, signifies a pivotal advancement in the execution of the Prime Minister’s flagship Gati Shakti programme.

 

A Milestone in Green Logistics

  • The primary objectives of this in-plant railway siding are to reduce the carbon footprint in logistics, decrease fossil fuel consumption, and alleviate road congestion.
  • Upon reaching full operational capacity, the Gujarat railway siding facility is poised to dispatch an impressive 300,000 cars annually to 15 destinations across India.
  • The collaborative effort behind this project includes Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development (G-RIDE), a partnership between the Government of Gujarat and Indian Railways.
  • Also involved in the collaboration are the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and MSIL.

Maruti Suzuki’s Commitment to Sustainable Mobility

  • Maruti Suzuki has expressed a dedication to sustainable transportation, detailing its intentions to increase production capacity to 4 million units per year by 2030-31.
  • With increased vehicle dispatches expected via railways, the new in-plant railway facility will support Maruti Suzuki’s production expansion.
  • Maruti Suzuki’s integration of a railway siding facility within its plant marks a historic milestone, advancing green logistics in India.

Static Information

  • Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited: Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi

Other Important Topics
Exercise Bharat Shakti
PM witnessed a synergized demonstration of indigenous defence capabilities in the form of Exercise Bharat Shakti in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

  • It is a Tri-Services Live Fire and Manoeuvre Exercise, first-of-its kind initiative held in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
  • The exercise aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, showcasing India’s capabilities in multi-domain operations.
Hyodol
South Korean company Hyodol has come up with a social robot.

  • Hyodol is a social robot that uses AI to help older people with dementia and those who are digitally disadvantaged.
  • It is developed by Hyodol, AI companion chat robot platform in South Korea.
  • The AI social robot helps senior citizens beat loneliness, and aid people with dementia.
  • Hyodol collects lifelog data using interactive AI care robots based on the latest AI and Home IoT technology.
Haiti
  • Haiti occupies the western 3rd of the island of Hispaniola, situated between Cuba and Puerto Rico, which it shares with the Dominican Republic.
  • The Atlantic Ocean borders Haiti’s northern shores, while the Caribbean Sea is to the west and south.
  • Its capital and largest city is Port-au-Prince.
  • The largest lake is Etang Saumatre, a salt-water body is located in the southern region.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region and among the poorest countries in the world, Haiti ranked 163 out of 191 countries in the 2022, United Nations Human Development Index.
Yaounde Declaration
  • Health ministers of 11 African countries committed to end malaria deaths at the Yaounde conference in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde.
  • Yaounde Declaration also deals with African countries and organisations to take ownership of the tax transparency agenda promoting it to serve African interests in fighting against tax evasion and illicit financial flows (IFFs).
Gorsam Kora Festival
  • The Gorsam Kora festival is held annually in Zemithang valley (in Arunachal Pradesh, which shares its border with Bhutan) along the Nyanmjang Chu River.
  • It is a celebration of the friendship between India and Bhutan.
  • It features cultural performances and Buddhist rituals at the Gorsam Chorten Stupa dating back to the 12th century, and is older than the Tawang monastery.
  • The Indian Army’s Gajraj Corps is instrumental in organising the festival.
Tawang Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, the 2nd largest and oldest monastery in Asia, and the largest in India.
Chushi Gangdruk
  • Chushi Gangdruk is a Tibetan guerrilla outfit that fought against the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Tibet from 1956 to 1974.
  • The group’s name translates to “4 Rivers, 6 Ranges” and refers to Amdo and Kham, regions of eastern Tibet.
  • Andrug Gompo Tashi, also known as Andrug Jindak, established the group on June, 1958, and was the leader and financier of the group.
Taljai hill
Residents of Taljai hill have submitted a letter to the forest department, demanding an explanation about the activities going on in the area.

  • Taljai Hills is developed as a park, is a designated wildlife reserve.
  • It is part of the Western Ghats in Pune.
  • It is named after the temple of Taljai Mata Devi, which is located atop the hill.
Donna Buang wingless stonefly
The Victorian government in Australia rejected the Critical Habitat Nomination for the Mount Donna Buang wingless stonefly.

  • The Mount Donna Buang wingless stonefly, Riekoperla darlingtoni, is a species of stonefly endemic to Australia.
  • It is one of 2 wingless stonefly species found in Australia.
  • Its suitable habitat is within the Yarra Ranges National Park.
  • This species requires high quality of water and habitat.
  • It is likely to be extremely sensitive to any amount of water pollution, sedimentation and any forms of habitat alteration.
  • Conservation Status
    • IUCN – Critically Endangered.
TOI-270 d
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have found hints of a distant planet that could be entirely covered in a deep ocean.

  • The planet, known as TOI-270 d is a sub-Neptune distant exoplanet located 70 light-years away and is twice the size of Earth.
  • The planet lacks ammonia in its atmosphere, which may be due to 2 reasons
    1. It would be absorbed by a large ocean because it revealed water vapour, methane, and carbon dioxide, which is consistent with a water world called Hycean.
    2. It might be too hot for liquid water, with temperatures reaching 4,000 degrees Celsius and the planet could have a rocky surface with a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and water vapour.
Phani Yerava Tribes
  • The Phani Yerava tribe live in the Makuta village, which falls under the Makuta Aranya Valaya, in Kerti reserved forest of Karnataka’s Western Ghats.
  • The tribes secured land rights under the Forest Rights Act in 2021.
  • Kerti Reserved Forest is part of a World Heritage site in India and is located in Coorg, Karnataka.

 



Headlines of the Day 13-03-2024

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Headlines of the Day 13-03-2024

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Mint, AIR

Headline Source Syllabus Key points to know
Bharat Shakti Exercise PIB  Defence What is Bharat Shakti Exercise?Its significance
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)  PIB Polity and Governance What are the roles and responsibilities of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)?Key facts related to it
SIPRI’s latest report on arms The Hindu  Defence What are the key findings of the SIPRI’s latest report on arms?
Number of poor people increase in Sub-Saharan Africa: World Bank The Hindu International Reports Why is the number of poor people on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa?What do the World Bank’s recent statistics say?What needs to be done?
Nuclear Waste The Hindu Science and Technology What is nuclear waste and what are the challenges of handling it?
Majuli masks and Majuli manuscript painting got GI tag IE Culture What is the GI tag?Key facts related to Majuli masks and Majuli manuscript painting
Sabarmati Ashram IE History and Culture What is the significance of the Sabarmati Ashram?Key facts related to it
EFTA IE IR India signs trade agreement with EFTA: Its significance 
Jan IIP growth slows, Feb inflation eases marginally IE Economy What is the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?Its significance
Rules for The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) notified IE Polity and Governance What do the Rules notified by the government for the implementation of the new citizenship law say? What documents must applicants provide, and who will be in charge of processing their applications?



Editorials & Articles – 13 March 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 13 March 2024

Intra-group caste variances, equality and the Court’s gaze.

Topic: GS1 – Indian society –  Social Empowerment GS2 – Social Justice – Vulnerable Sections, GS2 – Polity – JudiciaryThe article delves into State governments’ power to sub-classify SCs and STs, crucial for UPSC aspirants studying constitutional provisions and affirmative action.
Context
  • The Supreme Court of India will rule on whether State governments can sub-classify within Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, addressing implications for affirmative action and constitutional equality.

 Introduction:

  • A seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court will rule on State governments’ power to sub-classify within Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in public employment.

Background and Significance:

  • The case involves a circular by Punjab in 1975, reserving 50% of SC seats for Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs, later struck down.
  • Punjab persisted, passing the 2006 law favouring Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs, again declared unconstitutional by the High Court.

The 2004 Chinnaiah case:

  • The 2004 Chinnaiah case involved the Supreme Court quashing Andhra Pradesh’s law that attempted to amend the Scheduled Castes list, emphasizing parliamentary exclusivity in such matters.
  • A 2020 Supreme Court appeal doubted Chinnaiah’s correctness, prompting the present seven-judge Bench.

Constitutional Aspect:

  • The case addresses whether State governments can sub-classify SCs and STs, involving Parliament’s exclusive domain.
  • Article 341 prohibits modifying the President’s SC list, raising questions about intra-group variances and reservations.

Legal Precedents:

  • In Chinnaiah case (2004) apex court quashed Andhra Pradesh’s law for amending the SC list, emphasizing parliamentary exclusivity.
  • The Court, in 2020, questioned Chinnaiah, referring to the Indra Sawhney case, allowing OBC sub-classification.

Equality and Caste Dynamics:

  • The Constitution’s Articles 14 to 16 promise substantive equality, recognizing historical caste-based discrimination.
  • Reservations should align with the constitutional vision, correcting historical wrongs and ensuring substantive equality.
  • The government’s positive duty, as per State Of Kerala vs N.M. Thomas (1975), involves making reservations and ensuring equality.

Punjab’s Approach:

  • Punjab’s law doesn’t modify the President’s list but accounts for inter se backwardness by giving preference to Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs.
  • The sub-classification aims to address inadequacies in existing reservation measures, constitutionally obligated to correct historical wrongs.

Constitutional Interpretation:

  • Article 341 does not explicitly prohibit sub-classification; it restricts State governments from altering the President’s SC list.
  • The sub-classification, not modifying the list, aligns with the constitutional theory allowing reasonable classifications for achieving equality.

Judicial Duty and Equal Opportunity:

  • The Supreme Court, in N.M. Thomas, acknowledged governments’ power and duty to make reservations, emphasizing equal opportunity.
  • State authority to provide special measures to the most discriminated castes within SCs and STs must fulfill the constitutional dream of equality.

Conclusion:

  • The judgment will clarify whether State governments can sub-classify within SCs and STs, addressing historical discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity.
  • In this landmark case, the Supreme Court’s decision will have far-reaching implications for affirmative action, reservations, and the pursuit of substantive equality under the Indian Constitution.
Sub-Classification of scheduled castes
Advantages:

  • Enhanced Representation: Sub-classification allows for a more nuanced representation within Scheduled Castes, ensuring that the specific needs of various groups are addressed adequately.
  • Targeted Welfare Programs: Tailoring welfare initiatives based on sub-classifications enables more targeted and effective distribution of resources, addressing the unique challenges faced by different sub-groups.
  • Empowerment through Education: Sub-classification can lead to targeted educational interventions, addressing specific barriers to education within sub-groups and promoting empowerment through knowledge.
  • Employment Opportunities: By recognizing distinct challenges faced by sub-groups, sub-classification facilitates the creation of employment opportunities that cater to the unique skill sets and circumstances of each sub-category.

Challenges:

  • Identification Complexity: Determining sub-classifications may be challenging, as it requires a nuanced understanding of socio-economic factors, historical injustices, and cultural nuances that vary across regions.
  • Potential for Discrimination: Sub-classification might inadvertently perpetuate discrimination or hierarchies within Scheduled Castes, potentially leading to social divisions and conflicts.
  • Administrative Burden: Implementing and managing sub-classification can pose administrative challenges, including accurate data collection, monitoring, and evaluation.
  • Policy Fragmentation: Sub-classification may lead to fragmented policy approaches, making it essential to strike a balance between targeted interventions and maintaining a cohesive framework for social inclusion.

A new sense of urbanisation that is dominating

Topic: GS1 – Indian society – Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
UPSC aspirants benefit from understanding the shifting paradigm in urban development, merging political and religious roles, and the state’s role in resource allocation.
Context
  • The article discusses the inauguration of India’s new Parliament building and the Ram temple, examining the evolving paradigm of urban development – Questioning the merging of political and religious roles, and emphasizing the need for social good over religious investments.

 Introduction:

  • Recent events, including the inauguration of the new Parliament building and the Ram temple by the Prime Minister, raise questions about the merging of political and religious roles.

Religious Cities as Urban Paradigm:

  • The inauguration of the Ram temple and substantial investments in Ayodhya’s infrastructure prompt speculation about religious cities becoming a new model of urban development.

Colonial vs. New Cities:

  • Traditional cities developed over the past two centuries were designed for industrialization and transport of goods, while new cities like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Pushkar are envisioned as symbols of modernism.

Modernism in Cities:

  • Colonial cities incorporated modernist features in architecture, culture, literature, and human behaviors, with influences from architects like Le Corbusier and Habib Rahman.
  • Modern towns were designed with spaces for theater, culture, art, and recreation, emphasizing inclusivity in design and development.

Changing Urbanization Dynamics:

  • The current urbanization phase challenges the idea that cities are centres of enlightenment, workplaces, and habitats, shifting towards being centres of pilgrimage and faith.
  • Corporates invest heavily in small towns like Ayodhya, altering the traditional understanding of cities as primarily workplaces.

Revivalism and Faith-Centric Urbanization:

  • A new form of urbanization in India aligns cities with the majority religion, merging systems with faith rather than separating them.
  • Massive investments in Ayodhya and other projects, such as the Central Vista, Sardar Patel statue, and the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train, reflect this approach.

Role of the State and Social Good:

  • The role of the state in building cities and directing investments comes into question.
  • Democratic societies should direct surplus capital towards social good, focusing on building modern institutions, education, health, and social infrastructure.
  • India’s current trend of allocating resources for religious projects reflects a form of centralization and ghettoization based on religious grounds.

Need for Decentralization and Democratisation:

  • The answer to this trend lies in decentralization, democratisation, and dynamic coexistence, ensuring citizens have equal rights and access to resources.

Conclusion:

  • The changing paradigm in urban development, emphasizing religious-centric models, raises concerns about the role of the state in directing resources and the need for a focus on social good in a diverse and democratic society.

Welcome all

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation. This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as the analysis delves into the constitutional aspects of the CAA, including its compatibility with constitutional principles such as secularism and equality before the law.
Context:
  • The political landscape in India is marked by controversy and division over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019.
  • While some assert the need for constitutional amendments once a certain parliamentary majority is reached, others deny such intentions.
  • However, the recent pre-election announcement of the enactment of rules under the CAA 2019 raises concerns about the erosion of India’s secular foundations.

 Undermining Constitutional Secularism:

  • The government’s decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 as a fulfillment of a poll promise is seen as a deliberate move to undermine India’s constitutional secularism.
  • By granting citizenship based on religious affiliation and excluding Muslims from its purview, the Act contradicts the secular nature of India’s Constitution, which guarantees citizenship regardless of religion.

Impact of CAA 2019:

  • The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 allows for the granting of citizenship to specific religious groups from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, while excluding Muslims.
  • This discriminatory aspect has sparked widespread criticism, with allegations that the Act lacks provisions for proving persecution, despite claims of offering fast-track citizenship to persecuted individuals.

Violation of Constitutional Principles:

  • The Act, in conjunction with its accompanying rules, represents a departure from constitutional principles.
  • Articles 5 to 10 of the Constitution outline citizenship provisions without regard to religion.
  • However, the CAA 2019 introduces religious criteria for naturalization, contradicting the secular foundation of the Constitution.

Liberalization of Proof Requirements:

  • The rules accompanying the CAA 2019 liberalize proof requirements for citizenship, with a presumption of persecution and a lenient approach to documentation.
  • This contrasts sharply with the stringent criteria typically associated with citizenship applications, raising questions about fairness and consistency in the process.

Centralization of Administration:

  • The Act centralizes the citizenship application process under the Union government, deviating from previous practices where applications were made to district collectors.
  • This centralization raises concerns about bureaucratic efficiency and accountability, potentially marginalizing local authorities and communities.

Legal Challenges and Criticisms:

  • Legal challenges to the CAA highlight its violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.
  • Critics argue that the Act discriminates against Muslims and overlooks persecuted minorities in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
  • Internal contradictions, such as conflicting cutoff dates for citizenship, further compound the controversy surrounding the Act.

Alternative Solutions

  • While the intent to protect persecuted individuals is commendable, critics advocate for granting refugee status to all persecuted persons, regardless of religious affiliation.
  • They argue for adherence to international conventions like the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees 1961 as a more equitable and principled approach to addressing persecution.

Conclusion:

  • The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 and its accompanying rules have sparked intense debate and legal challenges in India.
  • Critics argue that the Act undermines constitutional secularism, violates principles of equality, and perpetuates discrimination based on religious affiliation.
  • Alternative solutions, such as granting refugee status to all persecuted individuals, are proposed as more inclusive and principled approaches to addressing persecution.
  • The resolution of this contentious issue will have profound implications for India’s democratic principles and social cohesion.
India’s Refugee Policy
  • India is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol and does not have a national refugee protection framework.
  • However, it continues to grant asylum to a large number of refugees from neighbouring States and respects UNHCR’s mandate for other nationals, mainly from Afghanistan and Myanmar.
  • While the Government of India deals differently with various refugee groups, in general it respects the principle of for holders of UNHCR documentation.
  • For some time now, India’s concerns about security have had a more restrictive impact on asylum space in the country.
  • Mixed migration flows have further complicated the identification and protection of refugees and UNHCR has significantly modified and increased its registration activities to cope with this and provide the necessary support to the Government.
  • In the absence of a national legal and administrative framework, UNHCR, based in New Delhi, conducts refugee status determination (RSD) for asylum-seekers from non-neighbouring countries and Myanmar.
  • UNHCR also has a presence in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in the south to support the voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees.
  • Although India has a large population of stateless people, no accurate estimates of the number are available.

TRADE GAINS

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding India’s trade policies and agreements with various countries and blocs.
Context:
  • Over the past few years, the Narendra Modi government has actively pursued trade agreements with various countries, signaling a shift towards greater openness and a desire to boost economic ties.
  • Recent agreements with Australia, the UAE, and now the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) represent a departure from previous practices of abandoning negotiations midway, marking a positive development in India’s trade policy approach.

Implications of the EFTA Agreement:

  • The newly signed agreement with the EFTA states aims to significantly increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India over the next decade, potentially generating one million direct jobs in the country.
  • With Switzerland being India’s largest trading partner within the EFTA bloc, the agreement holds promise for reducing the trade deficit, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, machinery, and chemicals, where tariffs will be eliminated.

Scope of the Agreement:

  • The agreement primarily focuses on industrial goods, with tariffs being eliminated on most exported items to India, excluding agricultural products.
  • While India offers tariff reductions on a significant portion of its imports, particularly in the non-agricultural sector, agricultural items remain outside the purview of the deal.
  • Additionally, the agreement covers the services sector, aiming to boost exports in areas such as information technology and facilitate the movement of skilled personnel.

Policy Implications and Targets:

  • The Indian government has set ambitious targets for exports of goods and services by 2030, aiming to reach $2 trillion.
  • Achieving this goal will require comprehensive policy action, including lowering tariffs and entering into deeper free trade agreements while safeguarding national interests.
  • Additionally, measures must be taken to ensure that the benefits from these trade agreements are fully realized, reflecting the critical importance of effective implementation and monitoring mechanisms.

Conclusion and Future Outlook:

  • At this pivotal juncture in India’s development trajectory, it is imperative for the government to push ahead with its trade agenda and capitalize on the opportunities presented by recent agreements.
  • By fostering closer economic ties with strategic partners like the EFTA states, India can stimulate growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance its global competitiveness.
  • However, sustained efforts are required to address challenges and maximize the benefits of these agreements for the country’s overall economic prosperity.
What are the Challenges in India-EFTA Relations?
1. Data exclusivity and specific Duration Clauses –

  • Data exclusivity safeguards the clinical trial information of a pharmaceutical company, about a particular medication. During the exclusivity period, generic competitors cannot use the originator’s data to get approval for similar drugs.
  • These provisions would promote monopolization for foreign pharmaceutical companies and would be a setback for the Indian generic industry. This will also lead to a rise in the cost of affordable medicines in India.

2. Differences in Economic Structures –

  • Bridging the differences in the economic interests of different economic structures of India (developing country with low per capita) and EFTA countries (developed economies with high per capita income) is a formidable challenge.

3. Intellectual Property Rights Protection – Challenge of protection of IPR of the EFTA companies engaged in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and machinery manufacturing. 4. Market access challenges –

  • There are issues regarding tariffs, quotas, and non-tariff barriers which are hindering the free market access between the two parties. Further, there are wide-ranging differences in regulations, standards, and legal frameworks.
International arms transfers report by the SIPRI

Why in news?

  • The latest data on international arms transfers has been released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). As per this report, India was the world’s top arms importer between 2019-2023.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
  • Key highlights of the report by the SIPRI
  • Challenges faced by India in Indigenous Production
  • Conclusion

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

  • It is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
  • Established in 1966, SIPRI is based in Stockholm, Sweden. It is regularly ranked among the most respected think tanks worldwide.
  • Its mission is to:
    • undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace;
    • provide policy analysis and recommendations;
    • facilitate dialogue and build capacities;
    • promote transparency and accountability

Key highlights of the report by the SIPRI

  • India continues as the world’s largest arms importer despite ongoing efforts to bolster its defense-industrial base.
    • Between 2019 and 2023, the country accounted for a significant 9.8% of the total global arms imports.
  • Steady increase in arms import
    • 4.7% increase in India’s arms imports between 2014-18 and 2019-23.
    • This growth is partially attributed to emergency procurements made in response to the prolonged military standoff with China.
  • Changing Dynamics in Arms Suppliers
    • Russia (historically been India’s primary weapons supplier), still accounted for 36% of its arms imports.
    • However, this trend is shifting, with India increasingly diversifying its sources to include Western countries and domestic manufacturers.
    • The report highlights that the period between 2019-23 marked the first five-year span since 1960-64 where Russian deliveries comprised less than half of India’s arms imports.
  • Growing Role of Western Suppliers
    • France and the United States are emerging as key suppliers to India, collectively accounting for 46% of its arms imports.
    • This trend is expected to continue with significant contracts in the pipeline, such as India’s procurement of 31 armed MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones from the US and 26 Rafale-M fighters from France.
  • Global Arms Trade Landscape
    • Top importers
      • India is followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine, Pakistan, Japan, Egypt, Australia, South Korea, and China.
    • Top exporters
      • United States leads with a 42% share, followed by France and Russia.
  • India’s Role as a Major Arms Customer
    • India emerges as the largest arms customer for France, Russia, and Israel, indicating its significant role in global arms procurement.
    • This underscores India’s reliance on diverse sources for its defense needs, reflecting its geopolitical positioning and security concerns.
  • China’s Dominance in Supplying Pakistan
    • China plays a pivotal role as the primary arms supplier to Pakistan, with a substantial 61% of its exports directed towards Islamabad.
    • Additionally, China exports 11% of its arms to Bangladesh, further solidifying its influence in the region.

Challenges faced by India in Indigenous Production

  • Projects under Strategic Partnership (SP) model have not materialised yet
    • Despite efforts to promote indigenous defense production, including the ‘Make in India’ initiative, challenges persist. None of the ‘Make in India’ projects under the strategic partnership model have materialized yet.
      • SP model is a framework introduced by the Indian government to encourage collaboration between the public & private sectors in the defense industry.
      • Under this model, private companies are selected as strategic partners to work alongside the government-owned defense entities in the development & production of key defense platforms and systems.
  • Need for Overhaul in SP Policy
    • Key areas for improvement include a reassessment of the pricing methodology, ensuring long-term orders to sustain production, and addressing other bottlenecks that hinder project implementation.
  • Low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Defense
    • India’s defense sector has attracted only a meagre Rs 5,077 crore in FDI since its opening to private companies in 2001.
    • This is despite the government’s efforts to liberalize FDI regulations, allowing up to 74% through the automatic route and up to 100% through the government route in 2020.

Conclusion

  • India’s status as the world’s top arms importer underscores the need for strategic reforms to enhance its defense-industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. As the country continues to navigate geopolitical challenges, fostering a robust domestic defense manufacturing sector will be crucial for achieving long-term security goals.
The Dandi March Movement

Why in News?

  • PM Modi launched a master plan for the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram redevelopment project in Ahmedabad, on the anniversary of the historic Dandi March.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • About Dandi March (Origin, Reasons, Build-Up, Timeline, Impact, etc.)
  • Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram redevelopment project

Dandi March

  • The Dandi March, also known as Salt March / Salt Satyagraha, was a major non-violent protest action led by Mahatma Gandhi in March-April 1930.
  • The march was the first act in an even-larger campaign of civil disobedience (satyagraha) Gandhi waged against the British rule in India that extended into early 1931.
  • It garnered Gandhi widespread support among the Indian populace and considerable worldwide attention.

Reasons Behind the Dandi March:

  • Salt production and distribution in India had long been a lucrative monopoly of the British.
  • Through a series of laws, the Indian populace was prohibited from producing or selling salt independently, and instead Indians were required to buy expensive, heavily taxed salt that often was imported.
  • This affected the great majority of Indians, who were poor and could not afford to buy it.
  • Indian protests against the salt tax began in the 19th century and remained a major contentious issue throughout the period of British rule.

Build-up to the Dandi March:

  • On 5 February 1930, newspapers reported that Gandhi would begin civil disobedience by defying the salt laws. The salt satyagraha would begin on 12 March and end in Dandi with Gandhi breaking the Salt Act on 6 April.
    • Gandhi chose 6 April to launch the mass breaking of the salt laws for a symbolic reason—it was the first day of National Week, begun in 1919 when Gandhi conceived of the national hartal (strike) against the Rowlatt Act.
  • Gandhi prepared the worldwide media for the march by issuing regular statements from the Sabarmati Ashram, at his regular prayer meetings, and through direct contact with the press.
  • For the march itself, Gandhi wanted the strictest discipline and adherence to satyagraha and ahimsa.
  • For that reason, he recruited the marchers not from Congress Party members, but from the residents of his own ashram, who were trained in Gandhi’s strict standards of discipline.
  • The 24-day march would pass through 4 districts and 48 villages.
  • On 2 March 1930 Gandhi wrote to the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, offering to stop the march if Irwin met eleven demands, including reduction of land revenue assessments, cutting military spending, imposing a tariff on foreign cloth, and abolishing the salt tax.
  • The Viceroy held any prospect of a “salt protest” in disdain. After he ignored the letter and refused to meet with Gandhi, the march was set in motion.

Timeline of the Dandi March:

  • On 12 March 1930, Gandhi and 78 satyagrahis set out on foot for the coastal village of Dandi in Navsari district of Gujarat, 385 km from their starting point at Sabarmati Ashram.
  • The first day’s march of 21 km ended in the village of Aslali, where Gandhi spoke to a crowd of about 4,000.
  • As they entered each village, crowds greeted the marchers, beating drums and cymbals.
  • Gandhi gave speeches attacking the salt tax as inhuman, and the salt satyagraha as a “poor man’s struggle”.
  • Each night they slept in the open. The only thing that was asked of the villagers was food and water to wash with.
    • Gandhi felt that this would bring the poor into the struggle for sovereignty and self-rule, necessary for eventual victory.
  • Upon arriving at the seashore of Dandi on 6th April, Gandhi raised a lump of salty mud and declared, “With this, I am shaking the foundations of the British Empire.”
  • He then boiled it in seawater, producing illegal salt.
  • He implored his thousands of followers to likewise begin making salt along the seashore, “wherever it is convenient” and to instruct villagers in making illegal, but necessary, salt.

Impact of Dandi March:

  • Mass civil disobedience spread throughout India as millions broke the salt laws by making salt or buying illegal salt.
  • Gandhi continued his satyagraha against the salt tax for the next two months, exhorting other Indians to break the salt laws by committing acts of civil disobedience.
  • Thousands were arrested and imprisoned, including Jawaharlal Nehru in April and Gandhi himself in early May after he informed Lord Irwin of his intention to march on the nearby Dharasana saltworks.
  • News of Gandhi’s detention led to tens of thousands more to join the satyagraha.
  • The march on the saltworks went ahead as planned on May 21, led by the poet Sarojini Naidu, and many of some 2,500 peaceful marchers were attacked and beaten by police.
  • Gandhi was released from custody in January 1931 and began negotiations with Lord Irwin aimed at ending the satyagraha campaign.
  • A truce subsequently was declared, which was formalized in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact that was signed on March 5, 1931.

Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram redevelopment project:

  • PM Modi launched a master plan for the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram redevelopment project in Ahmedabad, on the anniversary of the historic Dandi March.
  • The central government and Gujarat government are jointly implementing the Gandhi Ashram Memorial and Precinct Development Project at a cost of around Rs 1,200 crore.
  • During the inauguration, PM Modi emphasised the importance of conservation of heritage. He said, “A country which cannot conserve its heritage also loses its future.”
  • He stressed upon the need for the collective responsibility of all Indians to preserve this globally renowned site.
  • He outlined the government’s commitment to restoring old buildings to their original form, aiming to eliminate the necessity for new constructions
GI Tag – Cuttack’s famed silver filigree work and Majuli masks of Assam

Why in news?

  • The famous Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree), traditional Majuli masks & Majuli manuscript painting in Assam were given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Centre.

What’s in today’s article?

  • GI tag
  • Majuli masks of Assam
  • Majuli manuscript painting
  • Cuttack’s Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree)

GI Tag

  • About
    • A GI tag is conferred upon products originating from a specific geographical region, signifying unique characteristics and qualities.
    • It serves as a trademark in the international market.
    • The GI tag would help consumers differentiate between authentic products and products sourced from outside the said geographical region.
  • Legal provision: The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted in India in September 2003.
  • Governing body for GI
    • International Level: It is governed by WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
      • It derives its origin from Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
    • In India – Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications.

Majuli masks of Assam

  • Background: Majuli
    • Majuli is the largest river island in the world. It is also the seat of Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition.
    • It has been home to the art of mask-making since the 16th century.
    • Today, many of its traditional practitioners are working to take the art out of their traditional place in sattras, or monasteries.
  • About Majuli masks
    • These are handmade masks used in bhaonas on the island of Majuli in Assam.
      • Bhaonas are theatrical performances with devotional messages under the neo-Vaishnavite tradition.
    • The masks are used to depict characters in devotional performances.
    • It was introduced by the 15th-16th century reformer saint Srimanta Sankardeva.
  • Features of Majuli masks
    • The masks can depict gods, goddesses, demons, animals and birds — Ravana, Garuda, Narasimha, Hanuman, Varaha Surpanakha all feature among the masks.
    • They can range in size from:
      • those covering just the face (mukhmukha), which take around five days to make,
      • to those covering the whole head and body of the performer (chomukha), which can take up to one-and-a-half months to make.
    • The masks are made of bamboo, clay, dung, cloth, cotton, wood and other materials available in the riverine surroundings of their makers.
  • The art practised in monasteries
    • Majuli has 22 sattras, and the mask-making tradition is by and large concentrated in four of them — Samaguri Sattra, Natun Samaguri Sattra, Bihimpur Sattra and Alengi Narasimha Sattra.
      • Sattras are monastic institutions established by Srimanta Sankardev and his disciples as centres of religious, social and cultural reform.
      • Today, they are also centres of traditional performing arts such as borgeet (songs), xattriya (dance) and bhaona (theatre).

Majuli manuscript painting

  • It is a form of painting — also originating in the 16th century — done on sanchi pat, or manuscripts made of the bark of the sanchi or agar tree, using homemade ink.
  • The earliest example of an illustrated manuscript is said to be a rendering of the Adya Dasama of the Bhagwat Purana in Assamese by Srimanta Sankardev.
  • This art was patronised by the Ahom kings. It continues to be practised in every sattra in Majuli.
  • Majuli manuscript painting also received the GI tag.

Cuttack’s Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree)

  • About
    • Odisha’s Cuttack is known for its silver filigree work, of intricate design and fine craftsmanship.
    • In Odia, tara means wire and kasi means to design.
    • Thus, as part of Rupa Tarakasi, silver bricks are transformed into thin fine wires or foils and used to create jewellery or showpieces.
    • While different grades of silver are used in the main metal alloy, the craftsmen also use other metals like copper, zinc, cadmium and tin.
  • Origin
    • While the exact origin of the filigree art in Cuttack is not clear, it is known to have existed as far back as the 12th century.
    • The art form received considerable patronage under the Mughals.
    • Over the years, as Cuttack transitioned through the hands of different rulers, the silver filigree took on a new form with each.
  • Popular product categories
    • The popular product categories now found in Cuttack are jewellery, decorative artifacts, accessories, home décor and religious/cultural pieces.
    • The iconic items found only in Cuttack are the Durga Puja Medha (silver decorations for the Durga idol and pandal), Odissi jewellery, religious/cultural pieces linked directly to the customs of Odisha, and the Dama chain.
The Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024

Why in News?

  • The Department of Pharmaceuticals issued the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Need for the UCPMP 2024
  • Highlights of the UCPMP 2024 on Ethical Practices of Pharma Companies
  • Highlights of the UCPMP 2024 on Drugs
  • Implementation of the UCPMP 2024

Need for the UCPMP 2024:

  • The UCPMP 2015 for Pharmaceutical as well as Medical Device Industry is being implemented (w.e.f. 1.1.2015) to prevent unethical practices by the pharmaceutical companies.
  • Much of the criticism that this version of the code attracted was related to its voluntary nature. There was no legal backing to its provisions and it therefore remained toothless.
  • There has been a long-pending demand of various health activists to make it mandatory. Even the 2017-18 annual report of the Department of Pharmaceuticals insisted on making it mandatory.
  • While the government has now removed the word ‘voluntary’ from the code, which was there in the previous version, it has stopped short of making it mandatory.
  • It has now merely ‘requested’ the pharmaceutical companies’ associations to see to it that the code is ‘implemented’.

Highlights of the UCPMP 2024 on Ethical Practices of Pharma Companies:

  • Engagement of the pharmaceutical industry with healthcare professionals for Continuing Medical Education (CME) should only be allowed –
    • Through a well-defined, transparent, and verifiable set of guidelines, and
    • Conduct of such events in foreign locations is prohibited by the uniform code.
  • Medical representatives must not use any incentive and must not pay for access to a healthcare practitioner.
  • Companies or their representatives should not pay cash or monetary grants to any healthcare professional or their family members (both immediate and extended) under any pretext.
    • Gifting is prohibited by any pharmaceutical company or its agent (distributors, wholesalers, retailers, etc).
  • Additionally, no pecuniary advantage or benefit in kind may be offered, supplied or promised to any person qualified to prescribe or supply drugs by any pharmaceutical company or its agent.
  • Paid travel, hotel stays should not be extended to healthcare professionals or their family members by pharmaceutical companies or their representatives, unless the person is a speaker for a CME, etc.
  • The Union government has allowed firms to provide research grants for healthcare professionals, provided these are done in a transparent manner.
  • The guidelines allow the industry to support research for studies authorised by bodies such as the Indian Council for Medical Research or the Drug Controller General of India.

Highlights of the UCPMP 2024 on Drugs:

  • On drugs, the UCPMP states that promotion of a drug must be consistent with the terms of its marketing approval.
  • Claims for the usefulness of a drug must be based on up-to-date evaluation of all available evidence.
  • The word ‘safe’ must not be used without qualification, and it must not be stated categorically that a medicine has no side effects, toxic hazards, or risk of addiction.
  • The word ‘new’ must not be used to describe any drug which has been generally available or any therapeutic intervention which has been generally promoted in India for more than a year.

Implementation of the UCPMP 2024:

  • The UCPMP is to be circulated for strict compliance, and all associations have been requested –
    • To constitute an Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices,
    • Set up a dedicated UCPMP portal on their website, and
    • Take further necessary steps for the code’s implementation.
  • All Indian pharmaceutical associations are to upload the UCPMP on their website along with the detailed procedure for lodging of complaints.
    • This will be linked to the UCPMP portal of the Department of Pharmaceuticals.


Current Affairs – 12 March 2024

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Current Affairs – 12 March 2024

Software Technology Parks of India

Recently, the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) launched its Center of Entrepreneurship (CoE) – FinGlobe.

About Software Technology Parks of India:

  • It is a premier autonomous Science and Technology organization under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • It is engaged in promoting IT/ITES Industry, innovation, R&D, start-ups, product/IP creation in the field of emerging technologies like IoT, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Computer Vision, Robotics and Robotics Process Automation (RPA) etc.
  • Objectives
    • To promote the development and export of software and software services including Information Technology (I.T.) Enabled Services / Bio-IT.
    • To provide statutory and other promotional services to the exporters by implementing Software Technology Park/ Electronics and Hardware Technology Park Schemes and other such schemes this may be formulated and entrusted by the Government from time to time.
    • To provide data communication services including value added services to IT / IT Enabled Services related industries.
    • To promote micro, small and medium entrepreneurs by creating conducive environment for entrepreneurship in the field of IT / IT Enabled Services.
  • Significance: These centres have been playing a pivotal role in boosting IT/ITeS/ESDM exports from the respective region, generating employment, and fostering startups to develop software products.

Mission Divyastra

Recently, the Prime Minister of India announced successful maiden flight test of Agni-5 missile with MIRV technology, code-named Mission Divyastra, boosting India’s defence capability.

About Mission Divyastra:

  • The maiden flight test of the locally developed Agni-5 missile with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology and code named as Mission Divyastra.
  • Key features of Agni-5 missile
    • It uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine and has a range of more than 5,000km. 
    • Agni series has medium to Intercontinental versions of Agni missile systems 1 to 5 with a varying ranges — starting from 700 km for Agni-1 to 5000 km and above for Agni-5.
    • In June 2021, DRDO successfully tested Agni P, a canisterised missile with a range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km.
    • This means that the missile can be launched from road and rail platforms, making it easier for it to be deployed and launched at a quicker pace.

What is MIRV technology?

  • It can target multiple targets that can be hundreds of kilometers apart with a single missile.
  • This Agni, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has a range of more than 5,000 km, making it a long-range missile. These missiles can be launched from land or from sea from a submarine.
  • In contrast to a traditional missile, which carries one warhead, MIRVs can carry multiple warheads. Warheads on MIRVed missiles can be released from the missile at different speeds and in different directions.”
  • This has propelled India into an exclusive league of countries that have the capability to deploy MIRV missile systems, including the US, the UK, France, Russia and China.

Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently notified the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024.

About Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019:

  • The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide a path to Indian citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis who migrated from neighbouring Muslim-majority countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, before December 31, 2014.
  • Under the CAA, migrants who entered India till December 31, 2014, and had suffered “religious persecution or fear or religious persecution” in their country of their origin would be made eligible for accelerated citizenship.
  • It relaxed the residence requirement for naturalisation of these migrants from twelve years to just six.
  • The law exempts the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, including the tribal areas of Karbi Anglong in Assam, Garo Hills in Meghalaya, Chakma district in Mizoram, and Tribal areas district in Tripura.
  • It also includes a provision for the cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration if the OCI cardholder violates any provision of the Citizenship Act or any other applicable law.

INS Tushil

INS Tushil, India’s latest naval asset, initiated its sea trials from Russia’s Baltiysk naval base recently.

About INS Tushil:

  • It is the first Krivak-III frigate to be acquired under Project 11356M.
  • Project 11356M:
    • India in October, 2016 signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with Russia to purchase/construct four additional Admiral Grigorovich-class (Project 11356M) frigates through a partnership between Russian and Indian shipyards. 
    • Russia will supply two of the frigates (INS Tushil and INS Tamala), while the other two will be constructed in India.
    • The Talwar-class frigates, or Project 11356, are a class of stealth-guided missile frigates.
    • The construction of the ships is based on the Indian Navy’s specific requirements to meet the entire spectrum of naval warfare in all three dimensions of air, surface, and sub-surface.
  • Features:
    • These ships feature “stealth technology” in terms of low radar and underwater noise signatures.
    • These ships are being equipped with major Indian-supplied equipment such as surface-to-surface missiles, sonar systems, surface surveillance radar, communication suites, and anti-submarine warfare systems, along with Russian surface-to-air missiles and gun mounts.
    • The frigates are designed to fight submarines and warships in brown and blue waters and repel air attacks both independently and within formations.
    • The displacement is 3620 tons, the length is 124.8 meters. The full speed is 30 knots, and the cruising range is 4850 miles.

Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has announced the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance (RPTUAS) Scheme.

About Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme:

  • The objective is to offer “subsidies based on quality” reimbursement, aiding pharmaceutical companies in achieving revised Schedule M and WHO-GMP certifications.
  • The revised guideline aims to support the pharmaceutical industry’s up-gradation to the Revised Schedule-M & WHO-GMP standards, enhancing the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products manufactured in our country.
  • Key Features of the Revised Scheme:
    • Broadened Eligibility Criteria: Reflecting a more inclusive approach, eligibility for the PTUAS has been expanded beyond Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to include any pharmaceutical manufacturing unit with a turnover of less than 500 crores that requires technology and quality upgradation. Preference remains for MSMEs, supporting smaller players in achieving high-quality manufacturing standards.
    • Flexible Financing Options: The scheme introduces more flexible financing options, emphasizing subsidies on reimbursement basis, over traditional credit-linked approach.
    • Comprehensive Support for Compliance with New Standards: In alignment with revised Schedule-M and WHO- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, the scheme now supports a broader range of technological upgrades. Eligible activities include improvements such as HVAC systems, water and steam utilities, testing laboratories etc.
    • State Government Scheme Integration: The revised scheme allows integration with state government schemes, enabling units to benefit from additional top-up assistance. This collaborative approach aims to maximize support for the pharmaceutical industry in their technology upgradation efforts.
    • The new benefit limit is based on turnover of the company. Units with less than Rs 5 crore turnover will get an incentive of 20 percent of investment under eligible activities.
    • The units with turnover ranging from Rs 50 crore to less than Rs 250 crore will get an incentive of 15 percent of investment, while for those with turnover ranging from Rs 250 crore to less than Rs 500 crore, it will be 10 percent of investment under eligible expenses.

What is Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme?

  • PTUAS has been incorporated as a sub-scheme under the Scheme – Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI), which was launched in July 2022.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

The Government of India recently initiated a scheme through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for the upgradation and strengthening of the laboratory network in the country.

About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):

  • BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking, and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. It is the successor of the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), which was created in 1947.
  • BIS is functioning under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
  • BIS has been providing traceability and tangibility benefits to the national economy in a number of ways: providing safe, reliable quality goods; minimizing health hazards to consumers; promoting exports and imports substitute; control over proliferation of varieties through standardization, certification, and testing.
  • It operates product certification schemes through which it grants licenses to manufacturers covering practically every industrial discipline, from agriculture and textiles to electronics.
  • Certification by the BIS is mandatory for certain classes of products—such as milk powder, X-ray equipment, and gas cylinders—that directly affect public health and safety. In other cases, voluntary, or optional certification or self-certification by the manufacturer may be permitted.
  • The BIS employs a large staff of engineers, scientists, and statisticians; testing is carried out in its own laboratories as well as in independent facilities that demonstrate compliance with laboratory guidelines established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). 

Lachit Borphukan

Recently, the Prime Minister of India unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan at his burial site in eastern Assam’s Jorhat district.

About Lachit Borphukan:

  • He was a legendary army commander of the Ahom kingdom (1228-1826). He was known for his leadership in the 1671 ‘Battle of Saraighat’.
  • He defeated the Mughal forces, led by Raja Ramsingh-I, in this battle, and thwarted a drawn-out attempt by them to take back Assam.
  • He was chosen as one of the five Borphukans of the Ahom kingdom by king Charadhwaj Singha and given administrative, judicial, and military responsibilities. 
  • Borphukan preferred guerrilla tactics which provided an edge to his smaller, but fast moving and capable forces.
  • He was buried at the ‘maidam’ — burial grounds for Ahom royals and nobles — at Hollongapar, after passing away a year after the battle at the age of 49 due to illness.

Key points about the AHOM Kingdom

  • The Ahom kings ruled large parts of what is now known as Assam for nearly 600 years, from the early 13th century to the early 19th century.
  • This was a prosperous, multi-ethnic kingdom which spread across the upper and lower reaches of the Brahmaputra valley, surviving on rice cultivation in its fertile lands.
  • The Ahoms engaged in a series of conflicts with the Mughals from 1615-1682, starting from the reign of Jahangir till the reign of Aurangzeb.

Anthropocene Epoch

Scientists have voted against a proposal to declare a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene to reflect how profoundly human activity has altered the planet.

About Anthropocene Epoch:

  • It is an unofficial unit of geologic time, used to describe the most recent period in Earth’s history when human activity started to have a significant impact on the planet’s climate and ecosystems.
  • The word Anthropocene is derived from the Greek words anthropo, for “man,” and cene, for “new,” coined and made popular by biologist Eugene Stormer and chemist Paul Crutzen in 2000.
  • There are numerous phenomena associated with this proposed epoch, such as global warming, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, mass-scale soil erosion, the advent of deadly heat waves, deterioration of the biosphere, and other detrimental changes in the environment.
  • What is the Geological Time Scale?
    • Earth’s history is divided into a hierarchical series of smaller chunks of time, referred to as the geologic time scale.
    • These divisions, in descending length of time, are called eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages.
    • These units are classified based on Earth’s rock layers, or strata, and the fossils found within them. 
    • From examining these fossils, scientists know that certain organisms are characteristic of certain parts of the geologic record. The study of this correlation is called stratigraphy.
  • Current Epoch: Officially, the current epoch is called the Holocene, which began 11,700 years ago after the last major ice age. 
  • Debate:
    • Scientists still debate whether the Anthropocene is different from the Holocene.
    • The term Anthropocene has not been formally adopted by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS),the international organization that names and defines epochs. 
    • The primary question that the IUGS needs to answer before declaring the Anthropocene an epoch is if humans have changed the Earth system to the point that it is reflected in the rock strata.

Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT)

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) recently observed that the assessee was entitled to claim credit for Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) under the Vivad se Vishwas (VSV) Scheme.

About Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT):

  • It is a provision in the Income Tax Act of India. It primarily applies to companies and is designed to ensure that companies that report substantial book profits but pay little to no income tax due to various exemptions and deductions are subject to a minimum level of taxation.
  • The primary objective behind the MAT tax in India is to curb tax avoidance by companies that manipulate their financial statements to reduce their taxable income artificially. With the introduction of MAT, companies have to pay a fixed percentage of their profits as MAT.
  • MAT is applicable to all companies, including foreign companies. 
    • However, it does not apply to companies that have been granted exemption under Section 10AA of the Income Tax Act, which pertains to Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
  • All companies are required to pay corporate tax based on which is higher of the following:
    • Normal Tax Liability: Tax computed as per the normal provisions of the Income-tax Law, i.e., by applying the relevant tax rate to the taxable income of the company.
    • Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT):Tax computed at 15% (previously 18.5%) on book profit plus cess and surcharge.
  • MAT is calculated on the “book profits” of a company, which is different from the taxable profits computed under the regular provisions of the Income Tax Act.
  • What is MAT credit? When the amount of MAT for a company is greater than its normal tax liability, the difference between MAT and normal tax liability is called MAT Credit.

Key Facts about Vivad se Vishwas (VSV) Scheme:

  • “Vivad se Vishwas Scheme” or “No Dispute but Trust Scheme” is a direct tax scheme introduced by the Government of India in 2020 for settling disputes between taxpayers and the income tax department. It aims to minimize tax-related litigation.
  • Under this scheme, the interest and penalty associated with the disputed tax amount is completely waived off on the final settlement of the disputed tax amount. 
  • There was a time limit set for the payment of taxes under the scheme.

Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2023 Report

According to a new report ‘Trends in International Arms Transfer 2023, India continues to be the world’s top arms importer.

  • Published by – Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
  • Study period – 2019-2023

ArmsTransfer

 

  • Export regime – The 5 largest exporters were the United States, France, Russia, China and Germany.
  • For the 1st time, France became the 2nd biggest arms exporter after the USA.
  • The USA and Western Europe together accounted for 72% of all arms exports in 2019-2023.
  • Imports – The 5 largest arms importers were India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine and Pakistan.
  • States in Asia and Oceania accounted for 37% of all arms imports, followed by states in the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Africa.
  • For the 1st time in 25 years, the US has become the largest supplier to Asia and Oceania.
  • Pakistan is 5th largest arms importer in 2019-23 where China provides 82% of arms imports.
  • India – Its arms imports increased by 4.7% between 2014–2018 and 2019–2023.
  • Russia is India’s main-arms-supplier, accounting for 36 % of its arms imports.

The period between 2014 and 2018 was the 1st 5-year stretch in 50 years (since 1960-1964) when deliveries from Russia or the erstwhile Soviet Union (prior to 1991) made up less than half of India’s arms imports.

  • India & France – India was the largest single recipient of French arms exports, accounting for nearly 30%.
  • The Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale fighter jets customised in accordance to its needs.
  • Furthermore, India is in talks for 26 Rafale Marine jets to be procured for the Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant from France.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
  • An independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
  • Established in – 1966, in Stockholm, Sweden
  • Role – It provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public.
  • Vision – A world in which sources of insecurity are identified and understood, conflicts are prevented or resolved, and peace is sustained.
  • Mission – To undertake research, activities on security, conflict and peace and provide recommendations to facilitate dialogue and build capacities.
  • To promote transparency and accountability and to deliver authoritative information to global audiences.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2024 Campaign

Recently, the 5th edition of the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ campaign was launched.

  • A transformative movement towards a water-secure and sustainable future.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019 as a “Jan Andolan”, to initiate water conservation at the grass-root level through citizen participation across the country.

  • Started in – 2021, as part of Jal Sanchay and has become an annual feature.
  • Nodal agency – National Water Mission, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation in collaboration with Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation.
  • Aim – To nudge states and other stakeholders to create rain water harvesting structures suitable to the climatic conditions and sub-soil strata before the monsoon.
  • Coverage – All the blocks of all districts (rural as well as urban areas) across the country.
  • Focused interventions
    • Water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
    • Enumerating, geo-tagging & making inventory of all water bodies and preparing scientific plans for water conservation.
    • Setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts
    • Intensive afforestation
    • Awareness generation.
  • JSA: CTR 2024 – It  will have a distinctive emphasis on  
  • De-silting and cleaning of water bodies.
  • Revitalizing Abandoned/Defunct Borewells for groundwater recharge and Rejuvenation of Small Rivers.
  • Geo-tagging of water bodies, coupled with meticulous mapping and regular updates in the State’s revenue records
  • Intensified afforestation efforts in the catchment areas of water bodies.
  • Snow harvesting in hilly areas like stupas in Ladakh.
  • Implemented period – March to November, 2024, the pre-monsoon and monsoon period in the country.
  • 2024 Theme – ‘Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti’, to recognise and appreciate the crucial role played by women in water management, conservation and sustainability.
  • It will establish a powerful connection between the ‘Nari Shakti’ and the sustainable management of water resources i.e. Jal Shakti.

Approximately 24 lakh women have been trained for testing water samples using Field Testing Kit (FTK) to ensure quality of piped water supply.

Simdega District Hosts First-Ever Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela

For the first time, the district of Simdega in Jharkhand is hosting the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela, a national-level agricultural science fair. The event, organized by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa (New Delhi), is being held at the Albert Ekka Stadium from March 10th to 12th, marking a significant stride towards realizing the vision of a prosperous farmer community.

Promoting Modern Agricultural Techniques

  • The mela aims to encourage the adoption of modern agricultural techniques and entrepreneurship among farmers. Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda emphasized the government’s focus on increasing farmers’ incomes through these practices.

Participation of Agricultural Experts

  • Over 40 agricultural scientists from across India are participating in the event, sharing their insights on improved crop cultivation methods. The fair serves as a crucial platform for farmers to learn about cutting-edge agricultural practices that can significantly uplift their livelihoods.

Initiatives for Farmer Empowerment

  • Selected farmers were awarded solar pump sets by the Welfare Department, highlighting efforts to modernize farming in Jharkhand.
  • Agricultural universities, institutes, and science centers are showcasing new technologies aimed at promoting agricultural entrepreneurship and prosperity.
  • Farmers have the opportunity to learn about advanced agriculture and horticulture techniques to boost productivity, with 1000 farmers receiving training daily.

Showcasing Agricultural Advancements

  • The Pusa Agricultural Science Fair features 50 informative stalls, aimed at educating farmers on governmental schemes and agricultural advancements. The fair focuses on vital themes like value addition and crop diversification, designed to enhance agricultural entrepreneurship among farmers.

Cultural Significance

  • In a traditional ceremony, dignitaries including Arjun Munda were welcomed, underlining the cultural significance of the event and its role in promoting sustainable agricultural growth in the region.
  • The Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela in Simdega marks a significant milestone in the district’s efforts to empower local farmers and promote agricultural prosperity. By bringing together agricultural experts, showcasing modern techniques, and providing training opportunities, the event aims to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the broader national agenda of augmenting farmer incomes and ensuring agricultural sustainability.

Important takeaways for all Competitive Exam:

  • Jharkhand Chief minister: Champai Soren;
  • Jharkhand Capital: Ranchi;
  • Jharkhand Founded: 15 November 2000;
  • Jharkhand Bird: Koel;
  • Jharkhand Flower: Palash.

Other Important Topics
Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance (RPTUAS) Scheme
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers announces the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance (RPTUAS) Scheme recently.

  • The revamped Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS) extends the scheme’s scope to include any pharmaceutical manufacturing unit with a turnover of less than Rs. 500 crore.
  • It entails financial assistance to drug companies to help them upgrade their facilities to produce medicines conforming to Revised Schedule-M & WHO-GMP standards.
  • It also introduces more flexible financing options, emphasising subsidies on reimbursement basis, over traditional credit-linked approach.
  • Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (PTUAS)
    • It is a credit-linked scheme aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) meet national and international regulatory standards.
India is a major exporter of medicines to low/middle-income countries (LMICs) which require WHO GMP certification.
Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation inaugurated commencement of PNG facilities in under the ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan’ recently.

  • Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan aims to develop and create necessary infrastructure in the urbanized villages and new urban areas of Delhi.
  • It is executed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
National Speed Breeding Crop Facility
Union Minister of Science & Technology inaugurated the National Speed Breeding Crop Facility in Punjab.

  • It is the India’s 1st Speed Breeding Crop Facility opened at the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali, Punjab.
  • It will augment transformational changes in crop improvement programme by accelerating the development of advanced crop varieties with implementation of speed breeding cropping methods.
  • National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) is the first Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, established in India in 2010.
  • NABI aims at catalyzing the transformation of Agri-food sector.
  • NABI has contributed to ‘Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech (UNaTI) Mission (Poshan Abhiyan), and Biotech Kisan Hubs for Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana etc.
KIRTI Programme
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports to inaugurate Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme.

  • It aims to create a pyramidal structure starting from the grassroots level and culminating in the development of elite athletes for achieving excellence at international platforms.
  • KIRTI aims to conduct 20 lakh assessments across the country throughout the year to identify talent through notified Talent Assessment Centres.
  • The Target Olympic Podium Scheme sits at the top of the pyramid.
  • Targeted age-group -9 to 18 years i.e. school-going age.
  • It is a nation-wide programme under the Khelo India mission (To revive the sports culture in India at the grass-root level).

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

  • Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) launch it in 2014.
  • It is an attempt to assist India’s top athletes and revamped in 2018 to establish a technical support team for managing the TOPS athletes and providing holistic support.

Khelo India Scheme

  • The Khelo India Scheme is the flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
  • Khelo India Mission aims at infusing sports culture and achieving sporting excellence in the country thus allowing the populace to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence.
INSAT-3DS
INSAT-3DS, has initiated Earth imaging operations capturing the first set of images recently.

  • INSAT-3DS is a meteorological satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in February 2024.
Satellite Salient features
Mission Meteorological services, Data relay and Satellite Aided Search & Rescue services.
Payloads 6-channel Imager and a 19-channel Sounder.
Orbit Geostationary orbit
Launch Vehicle GSLV
  • The mission is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
  • It is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
  • The satellite will augment the Meteorological services along with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites.
Vajra Sentinel System
Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited (BBBS) secured an order from the IAF and Indian Army under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.

  • The Vajra Sentinel System is an anti-drone system that can detect, track, and neutralize drones at extraordinary ranges.
  • It is designed by Big Bang Boom Solutions Private Limited (BBBS), Chennai based defense startup.
  • This is the largest contract signed by the MoD under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.
  • The system’s core sensor, built around Artificial Intelligence and computer vision algorithms, enables precise identification, classification and location identification of drones.
  • It utilises passive RF sensor technology to eliminate false alarms, and its sensor and jammer combination meets stringent military standard specifications for durability and reliability.     
  • It has a number of state-of-the-art tech improvements such as Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and kamikaze drones which can be upgraded on demand by the user.
  • The system’s core sensor, built around Artificial Intelligence and computer vision algorithms, enables precise identification, classification and location identification of drones.
Democracy Report 2024
India was downgraded on multiple metrics to emerge as one of the worst autocratisers according to the Democracy Report 2024.

  • It is an annual democracy report released by the Gothenburg-based V-Dem Institute.
  • The report categorizes countries into 4 regime types based on their score in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI)
    1. Liberal Democracy
    2. Electoral Democracy
    3. Electoral Autocracy
    4. Closed Autocracy
  • The report maps each country on a matrix of whether they are turning more democratic (democratising) or more autocratic (autocratising).

Findings

  • According to the report in 2023, 71% of the world’s population live in autocracies, 42 countries (home to 35% of the world’s population) were undergoing autocratisation.
  • India (18% of the world’s population) accounts for about half of the population living in autocratising countries.
  • Democratisation was taking place only in 18 countries, accounting for just 5% of the world’s population.

India was downgraded to the status of an electoral autocracy in 2018.
Pi (Personal intelligence)
  • Pi is the 1stemotionally intelligent AI chatbot with which one can have deep and meaningful conversations.
  • It is launched by Inflection AI, a California-based AI startup founded by former co-founders of DeepMind and LinkedIn.
  • It is designed to understand natural language, generate relevant, engaging responses, and handle a wide range of topics.
Miscophus Kaleshi
Zoological Survey of India discovers new species of Digger Wasp.

  • The new digger wasp species named as Miscophus Kaleshi in honour of researcher and Doctor Kalesh S. in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • It is one of the 2 new wasp species discovered in south India’s habitats.
Selection rules for district judges
  • The Supreme Court said that states could not consult Union government on the selection and appointment of judicial officers.
  • The SC verdict said:
  • Any issue between High Court (HC) and state government should have been ironed out in the course of the consultative process within the two entities.
  • The state government was bound to consult only the High Court.
  • Any other exercise de hors such consultation would not be in accordance with the scheme of the Constitution.

 



Editorials & Articles – 12 March 2024

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Editorials & Articles – 12 March 2024

Central transfers and the issue of shares of some States

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity – Devolution of power and finances Critical for UPSC as it addresses the evolving dynamics of resource distribution among Indian states, focusing on Finance Commission’s criteria.
Context
  • The article discusses the declining share of resources for southern Indian states in successive Finance Commissions, emphasizing the impact of income distance and suggesting measures for fair distribution

 Introduction:

  • The Sixteenth Finance Commission faces a critical issue raised by southern Indian states regarding a decline in their share of resources transferred from the Centre.
  • This decline has been observed over successive Finance Commissions, prompting a need for examination and potential solutions.

Analysis of State Shares:

  • Data from the Twelfth to the Fifteenth Finance Commission shows a consistent decrease in the share of southern states, dropping from 19.785% to 15.800%.
  • Northern and eastern states also experienced declines, while hilly, central, and western states, including Maharashtra, gained.
  • The income distance criterion, a key determinant, resulted in the loss of 8.055% points for southern states between the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Finance Commissions.

Role of Distance Criterion:

  • The distance criterion, weighted at 50% by the Eleventh Finance Commission, was reduced to 45% by the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
  • The income distance criterion significantly impacted the share of southern states, illustrating that states farther from the highest income state receive a higher share.
  • Despite the distance criterion contributing to gains for low-income states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, overall losses occurred due to other criteria.

Population Criterion Controversy:

  • The Fifteenth Finance Commission used 2011 population data, departing from the previous use of 1971 data, causing some controversy.
  • The introduction of the demographic change criterion aimed to mitigate the impact on states showing better fertility rate reduction performance.

Potential Steps Forward:

  • Despite the legitimacy of questions about the indefinite use of the income distance criterion, abandoning it entirely is not feasible.
  • The Sixteenth Finance Commission could consider reducing the weight of the income distance criterion by 5% to 10% points while increasing weights for other criteria.
  • Addressing the quantum of the divisible pool is crucial; the increase in cesses and surcharges by the Centre has reduced the size of the pool.
  • A proposal to limit the share of cesses and surcharges to 10% of the Centre’s gross tax revenues may help maintains a fair distribution.
  • The decline in the states’ share, despite the acceptance of the Fourteenth Finance Commission’s recommendation to raise it to 42%, underscores the need for attention and potential corrective measures.

Conclusion:

  • In addressing the concerns raised by certain states regarding declining shares, the Sixteenth Finance Commission could consider recalibrating the weightage of the income distance criterion.
  • And also addressing the impact of cesses and surcharges on the divisible pool, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources among states.
16th Finance Commission
  • Formed:  Established in December 2023, the 16th Finance Commission is tasked with determining financial distribution between the Indian central government and states.
  • Leadership:  Chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog.
  • Objective: Recommend revenue sharing between the centre and states for the next five years starting April 1, 2026.

●     Scope: 1.     Deciding the distribution of central tax revenue with states. 2.     Allocating grants-in-aid to states from the central government. 3.     Suggesting measures to strengthen the financial resources of local bodies like Panchayats and municipalities. ●     Timeline: 1.     Terms of reference defined in December 2023. 2.     Expected to submit recommendations by October 31, 2025.

A tribe in the Western Ghats in need of a lifeline

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Vulnerable Sections
Significant for UPSC as it highlights challenges faced by tribal communities post-Forest Rights Act, emphasizing socio-economic complexities and governance gaps.   The Information mentioned in the article can be used as a case study in UPSC mains answers.
Context
  • The article discusses the socio-economic conditions of the ‘Phani Yerava’ tribe in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, focusing on their forest land claims, changing livelihoods, and challenges related to alcohol abuse.

 Overview:

  • The article explores the socio-economic conditions of the ‘Phani Yerava’ tribe in Makuta village, Karnataka, focusing on their successful land claims under the Forest Rights Act in 2021.

Land Rights Success:

  • With local assistance, 19 Yerava households secured land rights through joint surveys by Forest, Revenue, and Social Welfare Departments.
  • The village is situated in the Talacauvery sub-cluster, a designated World Heritage Site in Karnataka, known for dense tropical evergreen forests.

Changing Livelihoods:

  • Despite acquiring forest rights, the Yeravas show reduced enthusiasm for forest-dependent livelihoods due to challenges in collecting minor forest produce.
  • The tribe has shifted to daily wage labour, primarily in Kasaragod, Kerala, emphasizing language comfort in Malayalam.
  • Minor forest produce like fuelwood, honey, incense, and shekakai (soap pod) are still collected but mostly for personal consumption, not commercial purposes.

Alcohol Abuse Concerns:

  • A significant concern is the rampant alcohol abuse observed in the community post-Forest Rights Act implementation.
  • The habit negatively impacts daily life, affecting children’s school attendance and overall community well-bei
  • Officials from the Department of Social Welfare express concern and initiate de-addiction drives, acknowledging the disheartening state of the habitants.

Impact on Documentation:

  • Alcohol abuse has led to a lack of awareness and engagement with external affairs, necessitating the safekeeping of essential documents with non-tribal members.

Broader Social Issues:

  • NGOs and officials highlight the insufficient attention given to such social issues in state policies, echoing concerns raised by local tribal communities like Hasalaru, Gowdalu, and Jenu Kurubas.
  • Leaders of these communities stress the need for government intervention to address addiction and other existential concerns among forest dwellers.

Call for Government Action:

  • The government should prioritize social issues affecting tribal communities, emphasizing that effective interventions are crucial for addressing challenges like addiction among forest dwellers.

Time to prohibit judges from joining politics

Context
  • The article discusses the resignation of Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay from the Calcutta High Court, his subsequent affiliation with the BJP, and the need for judicial reforms regarding post-retirement conduct.

 Overview:

  • Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigned from the Calcutta High Court, joining the BJP, sparking debates on post-retirement judicial conduct and political affiliations.

Judicial Conduct Concerns:

  • Gangopadhyay faced controversies during his judgeship, including a TV interview criticizing the West Bengal government and defiance of a division bench order.
  • The Chief Minister questioned the credibility of his judgments, emphasizing the need for judicial accountability.

Cooling-off Period Debate:

  • Former Union Minister Arun Jaitley’s suggestion of a cooling-off period for judges post-retirement is Important in this context, with Gangopadhyay asserting no existing rule.

Constitutional Assembly’s Stance:

  • The Constituent Assembly rejected suggestions of legally barring judges from executive posts, prioritizing judicial independence over external regulations.
  • Judges of constitutional courts enjoy powers and privileges, with impeachment as the almost unworkable method of removal, highlighting their protected status.

Judicial Conduct Standards:

  • The Constitution and the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct identify six core values of the judiciary – Independence, Impartiality, Integrity, Propriety, Equality, Competence and Diligence, guiding judges’ behaviour in and out of court.
  • Specific clauses address the prohibition of comments affecting case outcomes and the requirement to disqualify oneself if impartiality is compromised.
  • The global acceptance of the Bangalore Declaration reinforces the need for judges to maintain public, legal, and litigant confidence in their impartiality.

Opportunity for Reform:

  • The current episode is seen as an opportunity for the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court to investigate and prevent similar judicial aberrations.
  • The Supreme Court should expressly prohibit judges from taking political roles post-resignation, considering it a breach of oath and judicial conduct norms.

Need for Judge-Made Law:

  • Advocacy for a judge-made law on judges’ post-retirement political involvement, given the unlikelihood of parliamentary action on the matter.

Conclusion:

  • The recent episode can prove to be a potential catalyst for significant judicial reforms, urging the Supreme Court to address post-retirement political affiliations explicitly.
Judges joining politics after retirement
Issues:

  • Conflict of Interest: Retired judges entering politics may compromise their impartiality, as their political affiliations may clash with their previous judicial roles.
  • Undermining Judiciary’s Independence: Political involvement of former judges can be perceived as a threat to the judiciary’s independence, potentially eroding public trust in the legal system.
  • Ethical Concerns: Transitioning from a neutral judicial position to a partisan political role raises ethical questions about the integrity of the legal profession.
  • Influence on Judicial Decisions: The fear of future political aspirations might affect a judge’s decisions while on the bench, leading to concerns about biased rulings.
  • Perception of Favouritism: Public perception may question the fairness of legal decisions made by judges who later enter politics, suspecting favouritism or bias.
  • Impact on Rule of Law: Former judges engaging in politics might impact the overall rule of law, as their actions could be seen as prioritising political interests over legal principles.

 Way Forward:

  • Establish Cooling-off Periods: Introduce mandatory cooling-off periods before retired judges can engage in politics, allowing time for detachment from their judicial roles.
  • Ethical Guidelines: Develop and enforce strict ethical guidelines for retired judges entering politics, ensuring their conduct aligns with the principles of impartiality and judicial integrity.
  • Public Disclosure: Require transparent disclosure of any political affiliations or intentions during a judge’s tenure and post-retirement to maintain public trust and awareness.
  • Judicial Standards Boards: Strengthen and empower judicial standards boards to monitor and address ethical concerns related to retired judges entering politics.
  • Encourage Non-political Roles: Promote alternative post-retirement roles for judges, such as academic positions, mediation, or legal consultancy, to minimize the impact on the perceived independence of the judiciary.

EC’s hour of reckoning

Topic: GS2 – Polity – Constitutional Bodies
This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this analysis delves into the role and importance of various constitutional bodies, providing insights into the functioning of democratic institutions in India.
Context:
  • In March 2023, the Supreme Court mandated the formation of a selection committee for the Election Commission of India (ECI), with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) as a member.
  • A little over a year later, and following a law passed by Parliament excluding the CJI from the committee, two vacancies emerged in the ECI, prompting scrutiny of the law’s implications and intentions.

The Context of Constitutional Institutions:

  • The Indian Constitution establishes various institutions crucial for democracy.
  • These institutions serve different functions and maintain relationships with the government, either supportive, regulatory, or as a counterweight.
  • Parliament oversees the government, while courts scrutinize laws and government decisions.
  • Other bodies like the Attorney General, Comptroller and Auditor General, and Public Service Commission play specific roles in advising, auditing, and recruiting for the government.

The Unique Role of the Election Commission:

  • Unlike other bodies, the Election Commission’s responsibility isn’t contingent on government actions.
  • Its primary duty is ensuring free and fair elections, making it directly accountable to voters rather than the government.
  • This unique role underscores the importance of examining the government’s intentions behind introducing and amending provisions in the CEC Bill.

Analysis of Key Provisions: Composition of the Selection Committee

  • Initially constituted ad hoc by a Supreme Court order, the Selection Committee underwent changes with the exclusion of the CJI.
  • This alteration raises questions about potential bias in the committee’s majority view, seemingly aimed at ensuring a predetermined outcome rather than consensus building.

Equivalence Issue:

  • The status of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) was previously safeguarded akin to a Supreme Court judge.
  • However, amendments in the CEC Bill proposed equating the CEC and Election Commissioners (ECs) with the Cabinet Secretary, sparking criticism.
  • This move contradicted the existing provisions granting CEC and ECs status and salaries akin to Supreme Court judges.

Removal Process:

  • The removal process of CEC and ECs was initially aligned with that of Supreme Court judges, promoting parity.
  • However, final amendments led to a disparity in the removal process, maintaining impeachment for the CEC while allowing the President to remove ECs on the CEC’s recommendation.

Search Committee Composition:

  • Replacing the Cabinet Secretary with the Law Minister as the Search Committee chair and omitting members with expertise in election matters from the original provision raises questions about the rationale behind these changes, especially given their significance to the electoral process.

Conclusion:

  • The amendments in the final version of the CEC Bill reflect a lack of clarity and coherence in the government’s approach.
  • While restoring the equivalence of CEC/ECs with Supreme Court judges, discrepancies in the removal process and changes in the Search Committee composition suggest a muddled thought process.
  • These inconsistencies warrant further examination to understand the government’s true intentions behind these amendments.
What are the Concerns Regarding the Bill?
Transparency and Independence:

  • Allowing the Selection Committee’s recommendations to be valid even with a vacancy could result in a monopoly of ruling party members during certain circumstances, undermining the diversity and independence of the committee.

Shift from Judicial Benchmark to Executive Control:

  • Equating the salary of the CEC and ECs with that of the Cabinet Secretary, whose salary is determined by the executive, raises concerns about potential government influence.
  • Unlike the salary of a Supreme Court Judge, which is fixed by an Act of Parliament, this shift may compromise the financial independence of the EC.

Limiting Eligibility to Civil Servants:

  • Restricting eligibility to individuals who have held a position equivalent to the Secretary to the government may exclude potentially qualified candidates, limiting the diversity of backgrounds and expertise in the ECI.

Concerns About Lack of Parity:

  • The Bill retains the constitutional provision that allows the CEC to be removed like a Supreme Court Judge, while ECs can only be removed on the recommendation of the CEC.
  • This lack of parity in removal processes may raise questions about fairness.

Moving to a better count

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Issues relating to growth
This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding poverty trends, consumption patterns, and their implications for inflation and monetary policy.
Context:
  • The release of summary results from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), 2022-23, conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), prompts discussion on three key issues:
  • trends in poverty,
  • disparities between private consumption expenditure of NSSO and figures provided by the National Accounts Statistics (NAS), and
  • changes in consumption patterns with implications for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and monetary policy.

Trends in Poverty:

  • The HCES 2022-23 introduces changes in consumption expenditure methodology, including item coverage, questionnaire alterations, and multiple data collection visits.
  • Analysis of poverty trends reveals divergent estimates based on different methodologies, such as those proposed by the Expert Groups (Tendulkar and Rangarajan).
  • While poverty ratios exhibit declines, disparities between methodologies underscore the need for cautious interpretation pending further detailed data analysis.

Discrepancy in Consumption Expenditure:

  • An alarming disparity between private consumption expenditure estimates provided by NSSO and NAS raises concerns.
  • Despite methodological improvements, the NSS share marginally increased in 2022-23, exacerbating the widening gap between NSS and NAS figures over time.
  • Such discrepancies, exceeding 50%, necessitate thorough examination by the NSSO Advisory Group to improve data collection methods and ensure the accuracy of poverty ratio computations.

Changes in Consumption Patterns and CPI Implications:

  • Analysis of consumption patterns between 2011-12 and 2022-23 reveals shifts, notably declines in the shares of food expenditure both in rural and urban areas.
  • This decline, coupled with increases in shares of non-food items, prompts consideration for CPI adjustments.
  • While a reduction in food shares suggests potential impacts on inflation levels, the extent of this impact remains uncertain given the persistent dominance of food expenditure in household budgets.

Conclusion:

  • The summary results of the HCES 2022-23 illuminate critical issues ranging from poverty trends and consumption expenditure disparities to shifts in consumption patterns with implications for CPI and monetary policy.
  • Addressing these issues requires careful analysis, methodological refinement, and policy adjustments to ensure accurate poverty estimations and informed economic policymaking in India.
What is the National Statistical Office?
About:

  • Formed in 2019 by merging the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
  • C. Rangarajan Committee first suggested the establishment of NSO as the nodal body for all core statistical activities.
  • It currently works under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Function:

  • Collects, compiles, and disseminates reliable, objective, and relevant statistical data.
India ‘One of the Worst Autocracies’: V-Dem Report on Democracy

Why in News?

V-Dem Institute has the ‘Democracy Report 2024’ that tracks democratic freedoms worldwide.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • About D-Dem (Background, About the Report)
  • Democracy Report 2024 (Major Highlights)

About V-Dem:

  • The V-Dem Institute (Varieties of Democracy) was founded by Staffan Lindberg in 2014. Staffan Lindberg is a Swedish political scientist.
  • The V-Dem institute studies the qualities of government.
  • The headquarters of the project is based at the department of political science, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • The V-Dem Institute publishes a number of high-profile datasets that describe qualities of different governments, annually published and publicly available for free.
  • These datasets are a popular dataset among political scientists, due to information on hundreds of indicator variables describing all aspects of government.

About Democracy Report:

  • The V-Dem Institute publishes the Democracy Report that describes the state of democracy in the world, with a focus on democratization and autocratization.
  • The report classifies countries into four regime types based on their score in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI):
    • Liberal Democracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, and Closed Autocracy.
  • The LDI captures both liberal (individual and minority rights) and electoral aspects (free and fair elections) of a democracy.
    • It is based on 71 indicators that make up the Liberal Component Index (LCI) and the Electoral Democracy Index (EDI).
    • The LCI measures aspects such as protection of individual liberties and legislative constraints on the executive.
    • The EDI considers indicators that guarantee free and fair elections such as freedom of expression and freedom of association.
  • Apart from these, the LDI also uses:
    • Egalitarian Component Index (to what extent different social groups are equal),
    • Participatory Component Index (health of citizen groups, civil society organisations),
    • Deliberative Component Index (whether political decisions are taken through public reasoning focused on common good or through emotional appeals, solidarity attachments, coercion).
  • The Democracy Report is published annually in March.

Key Findings of the Democracy Report 2024:

  • The Democracy Report 2024 is a collaborative project involving 4,200 scholars from 180 countries, and is based on 31 million datasets that cover 202 countries from 1789 to 2023.
  • Overall Findings:
    • In 2023, 42 countries (home to 35% of the world’s population) were undergoing autocratization.
    • 71% of the world’s population — 5.7 billion people — live in autocracies, an increase from 48% ten years ago.
    • The level of democracy enjoyed by the “average person in the world is down to 1985-levels”, the report said.
    • The sharpest decline occurring in Eastern Europe, and South and Central Asia.
    • The report singled out freedom of expression, clean elections, and freedom of association/civil society as the three worst affected components of democracy in autocratising countries.
    • In a separate section on the 60 countries that go to the polls in 2024, the report observed that more than half of these (31) were in periods of democratic decline.
  • W.r.t. India:
    • India, which was downgraded to the status of an electoral autocracy in 2018, has declined even further on multiple metrics to emerge as “one of the worst autocratizers”.
    • As per the report, level of liberal democracy enjoyed by the average Indian now “down to levels last seen in 1975….when Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in India”.
      • As per the V-Dem classification, a liberal democracy is one where, in addition to the requirements of electoral democracy such as regular free and fair elections, mechanisms for judicial independence and constraints on executive overreach are robust, alongside rigorous protection of civil liberties and equality before law.
    • In an electoral autocracy — the category India falls into — multiparty elections coexist with insufficient levels of basic requisites such as freedom of expression and free and fair elections.
Centre notifies CAA rules

Why in news?

  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024 that would enable the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
  • The Act was passed on December 11, 2019, receiving assent from the President on December 12 the same year.
  • The MHA had earlier notified that the Act will come into force from January 10, 2020. Since the rules were not framed yet, the Act could not be implemented.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
  • Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) 2019:

  • About:
    • It seeks to amend the definition of illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist, Jains and Christian (but not Muslim) immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation.
    • They will be granted fast track Indian citizenship in 5 years (11 years earlier).
    • The Act (which amends the Citizenship Act 1955) also provides for cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration where the OCI card-holder has violated any provision of the Citizenship Act or any other law in force.
  • Who is eligible?
    • The CAA 2019 applies to those who were forced or compelled to seek shelter in India due to persecution on the ground of religion. It aims to protect such people from proceedings of illegal migration.
    • The cut-off date for citizenship is December 31, 2014, which means the applicant should have entered India on or before that date.
    • The act will not apply to areas covered by the Constitution’s sixth schedule, which deals with autonomous tribal-dominated regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
    • Additionally, the act will not apply to states that have an inner-line permit regime (Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram).
  • Delay in notification of CAA rules
    • One of the prime reasons is the vociferous opposition faced by the CAA in several states including Assam and Tripura.
    • The protests in Assam were fuelled by fears that the legislation would permanently alter the demographics of the state.
      • CAA is seen in Assam as a violation of the 1985 Assam Accord which allows foreign migrants who came to Assam after January 1, 1966 but before March 25, 1971 to seek citizenship.
      • Cut-off date for citizenship under the CAA is December 31, 2014.
    • The protests didn’t remain confined to the North-East, but spread to other parts of the country.
      • Multiple petitions are before the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of the CAA.
      • The petitioners have contended that the law is anti-Muslim, violating Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Indian Constitution.
      • It is arbitrary as it leaves out the persecuted Rohingya of Myanmar, Tibetan Buddhists from China and Tamils from Sri Lanka.

Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024

  • The process
    • Eligible refugees seeking citizenship through registration or naturalization must submit an application along with an affidavit confirming the accuracy of the statements made in it.
    • Additionally, they need an affidavit from an Indian citizen vouching for their character and a declaration stating their familiarity with one of the languages listed in the eighth schedule to the Constitution of India.
  • E-application to the district-level committee
    • The rules require the application to be submitted electronically to an empowered committee via the district-level committee, as notified by the central government.
    • Once the application is submitted, the district-level committee, headed by a designated officer, will verify the documents.
    • It will also administer the oath of allegiance to the applicant.
    • If an applicant doesn’t show up in person to sign the application and take the oath of allegiance, despite being given chances, the district-level committee will send the application to the empowered committee to consider rejecting it.
  • Supporting documents
    • Applicants must provide supporting documents such as:
      • passport issued by the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh,
      • a birth certificate,
      • any form of identity document, land or tenancy records, or
      • any document proving that the applicant’s parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of one of the three countries.
    • These documents remain valid even beyond their expiration dates.
    • Until now, these migrants were either living in India illegally or on long-term visas.
  • Verification of entry date
    • Applicants also have to provide proof that they entered India before December 31, 2014.
    • 20 supporting document for this can be of:
      • either a visa and immigration stamp, registration certificate from the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO),
      • or slip issued by the Census enumerators in India, government-issued licence or certificate
      • permit in India (including driving license, Aadhaar number, ration card),
      • marriage certificate issued in India etc.
  • Digital certificate
    • Once an application is approved, the applicants will be issued a digital certificate.

New rule has changed the producers to grant citizenship

  • Earlier, citizenship applications were made to the district collector, who is under the administrative control of the state government.
  • The new rules provide for an empowered committee and a district level committee to be instituted by the Centre for receiving and processing the applications.
    • These applications are to be submitted electronically.
  • The empowered committee would be headed by a director (census operations).
    • Other members include:
      • deputy secretary or above officer of the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau, the FRRO,
      • state informatics officer of the National Informatics Centre,
      • postmaster general of the state.
    • There would also be two invitees to the committee:
      • a representative from the office of principal secretary (home) or additional chief secretary (home) of the state government or UT concerned; and
      • a representative of the Railways’ jurisdictional divisional railway manager.
Why did the SC Reject SBI’s Plea for More Time to Provide Details?

Why in News?

  • The Supreme Court dismissed a plea by the State Bank of India (SBI) to extend the deadline for providing details of electoral bonds purchased anonymously and their encashment by political parties to June 30, 2024. A five-judge Bench (headed by the CJI) gave the bank 24 hours to provide the details to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Background of the Issue
  • Why did SBI Seek more Time to Comply?
  • What did the Contempt Plea Stipulate?
  • What did the Top Court Say?

Background of the Issue:

  • The petition was filed in the aftermath of the SC’s verdict striking down the electoral bonds scheme (EBS), where the Court had directed the SBI to furnish details of the bonds to the ECI by March 6, 2024.
  • These details were to include the date of purchase of each bond, the name of the purchaser of the bond and the denomination of the bond purchased.
  • The ECI was subsequently ordered to publish all such information shared by the SBI on its official website by March 13, 2024.
  • The court was also hearing a contempt plea filed by NGOs (ADR and Common Cause) against the SBI Chairman.
    • The plea contends that the bank was deliberately trying to ensure that details were not disclosed to the public before the Lok Sabha elections due in April-May.
    • Analysis reveals that the BJP was the scheme’s greatest beneficiary.

Why did SBI Seek more Time to Comply?

  • The bank said that the information and documents were scattered across its various branches and decoding them was a “time-consuming exercise.”
  • The data related to the issuance of the bond and data related to the redemption of the bond were recorded “in two different silos.”
    • This was done to ensure that donors’ anonymity was protected.
  • The Court was also informed that donor information was kept in a sealed cover at the selected branches and thereafter deposited in the organisation’s main branch in Mumbai.
  • It can thus be noted that both sets of information were being stored independently of each other.
    • Thus, to re-match them would be a task requiring a significant amount of effort.
  • The SBI added that –
    • While some details such as the number of bonds issued are stored digitally,
    • Others such as the names of the purchasers and KYC documentation are stored physically in its various branches to “achieve the object of the scheme.”

What did the Contempt Plea Stipulate?

  • All electoral bond-related work was overseen by a specific team of the SBI called the Transaction Banking Unit (TBU) to ensure that the government can access crucial information on a short notice.
  • The petitioners claimed that the SBI maintains a secret number-based record of donors who buy bonds and the political parties to which they donate.
  • Additionally, each electoral bond also possessed a unique number making it easier to trace it.
  • A simple query on the database can generate a report in a particular format which does not require any manual verification.
  • The petitioners pointed out that the SBI had enough manpower to retrieve the information within the stipulated deadline.
  • Even the EBS makes it mandatory to disclose information furnished by a buyer when demanded by a competent court.

What did the Top Court Say?

  • The CJI pointed out that the judgement had not asked the bank to “match” information to ascertain who contributed to which parties and only wanted a “plain disclosure”.
    • He asserted that the SBI in its own application said that such information was “readily available”.
  • The Bench stated that it did not wish to initiate contempt proceedings against the SBI, but it was putting the bank on notice and would take action if the SBI failed to comply.
Mission Divyastra – Agni5 gets multiple warheads capability

Why in news?

  • India has announced the successful testing of an Agni missile capable of carrying multiple warheads meant to hit multiple targets simultaneously.
    • The test was carried out from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
  • The success of Mission Divyastra was announced by PM Modi.
  • This technology will ensure that a single missile can deploy multiple war heads at different locations.
    • This system is equipped with indigenous avionics systems and high accuracy sensor packages, which ensured that the re-entry vehicles reached the target points within the desired accuracy.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology
  • Agni Missiles
  • Agni-5 missiles

Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology

  • About
    • The MIRV can target multiple targets that can be hundreds of kilometers apart with a single missile.
    • As of now, the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom are known to have MIRV-equipped missiles.
      • While Pakistan is developing such a missile system, Israel too is suspected to either possess the missile or be developing it.
    • These missiles can be launched from land or from sea (or from a submarine).
  • Background
    • MIRVs were originally developed in the early 1960s to allow a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of striking different targets.
    • The inception of MIRV technology was done by the United States with deploying:
      • a MIRVed Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in 1970 and
      • a MIRVed Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) in 1971.
  • What makes MIRV technology especially lethal?
    • In contrast to a traditional missile, which carries one warhead, MIRVed missiles warheads can be released from the missile at different speeds and in different directions.
    • The development of MIRV technology is not easy.
      • It requires the combination of large missiles, small warheads, accurate guidance, and a complex mechanism for releasing warheads sequentially during flight.
  • India and MIRV

Agni Missiles

  • About
    • Over the years, India has been able to acquire a credible minimum nuclear deterrence. In this, the Agni missile system is integral to India’s counter second-strike capability especially against China.
    • The Agni category missiles are solid propelled ballistic missiles, ranging from short range missiles to intermediate range missiles (700-5000kms).
      • The road and rail mobility of this series provides greater chances of survivability.
  • History of Agni Missiles
    • The Agni missile is a component of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) that was launched by India in 1983.
    • In 1989, India test fired Agni 1 category missile
  • Missiles in Agni Family
    • The family consists of short to long range surface to surface ballistic missiles. These are
      • Agni I – short-range ballistic missile (range – 700 to 1200 km)
      • Agni II – medium-range ballistic missile (range – 2000 to 3500 Km)
      • Agni III – intermediate-range ballistic missile (range – 3000 to 5000 Km)
      • Agni IV – intermediate-range ballistic missile (range – 3500 to 4000 Km)
      • Agni V – Inter-continental ballistic missile (range -5500 to 8000 Km)

Agni-5 missiles

  • Agni is a long-range missile developed indigenously by DRDO.
  • This latest variant of the missile is equipped with what is known as MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology.
  • This Agni, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, has a range of more than 5,000 km, making it a long-range missile.
    • India announced the development of Agni V in 2007.
    • The maiden flight test of Agni-V was conducted in April 2012.
  • Agni-V uses a three-stage solid fuelled engine and can reach most parts of China. It is aimed mainly at thwarting the challenge from China.


Headlines of the Day 12-03-2024

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Headlines of the Day 12-03-2024

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Mint, AIR

Headline Source Syllabus Key Points to Know
Ramzan PIB / AIR Culture – What are the key facts related to Ramzan?
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) PIB Polity and Governance – What are the roles and responsibilities of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)?
– Key facts related to it
PM to launch 205 ‘One Station One Product’ stalls for Southern Railway The Hindu Governance / Economy – What are the ‘One Station One Product’ stalls?
– Its significance
Electoral bonds The Hindu Governance – What are electoral bonds?
– Why did the Supreme Court reject SBI’s plea seeking extension of time to disclose electoral bonds data?
Democracy Report 2024 The Hindu Polity and Governance – What are the key findings of the ‘Democracy Report 2024’?
Sela tunnel The Hindu Infrastructure – What is the significance of the Sela tunnel?
– Key facts related to the Sela pass
Citizenship Amendment Act, CAA TH / IE Governance – What is the Citizenship Amendment Act, CAA?
– Its significance and objectives
Mission Divyastra IE Defence – What is Mission Divyastra?
– Its significance
Centre signs pact with Tripura govt, TIPRA Motha IE Governance – Centre signs pact with Tripura govt, TIPRA Motha: The demands, significance of the agreement